First, the dva - shovel - probe
Safety first!The first thing to do is to get your essential trio for off-piste safety:
>> DVA - shovel - probe!
What should you pack in your backpack?
A day of freeride skiing or ski touring cannot be improvised and requires a minimum of organisation!
Get all our advice on what to take and what not to forget.
A dva
The exception to the rule is that you always carry it with you under your jacket, not in your backpack. You need to know how to use it properly. Always change the batteries at the beginning of each season or when the battery is below 50%.
A shovel
Choose an aluminium shovel rather than a plastic one to prevent it from breaking (e.g. on blocks of ice). Choose a large enough bucket and a telescopic handle + a handle that allows the use of mittens.
A probe
Choose a cable probe rather than a corded one, minimum 2m40 with different depth graduations, a large diameter for more rigidity and automatic locking.
The avalanche transceiver-shovel-probe trio is a piece of equipment that you must not only have with you at all times, but that you must also and above all know how to use. Do some real avalanche search training at the beginning of each season!
In addition
Put your shovel and probe in a safety pocket, it's a real plus for quick and easy access.
Tips: It is advisable to remove the probe cover to take it out quickly in an emergency.
-An additional safety feature to find you quickly if you have a problem with your avalanche transceiver is the RECCO. It is a passive avalanche search chip on your bag or clothing.
-Your phone, fully charged! In the event of a problem, this will be your only means of communication with the outside world and for calling for help. (local mountain rescue number or 112) Put it in a pocket well insulated from the cold so as not to lose the battery and at more than 20cm from your DVA for interference
Appropriate protective clothing
1/ A waterproof and breathable jacket with a large hood for the helmet and a high collar.
2/ Take a down jacket, if possible a compact one so that it doesn't take up too much space in the bag.
3/ Lightweight, windproof trousers with tights underneath, with zips on the sides for ventilation.
4/ Two pairs of gloves (useful if the first pair is damp or wet).
5/ A hat and helmet to protect you in case of a fall.
Don't forget to take a ski mask for bad weather days and to protect you from the wind, a pair of goggles of category 3 or 4, and sunscreen.
The choice of bag
Take a bag adapted to the nature and duration of your outing.
For a day trip, you need a bag of between 20 and 30L to fit all the essential equipment.
> For freeride skiing: a comfortable and durable bag, if possible an airbag.
> Designed for touring skiing: a light bag with accessories (crampon pocket, ski/ice axe holder)
Depending on your practice, do not hesitate to complete your bag with the appropriate equipment. In ski touring, the following should be added:
> skins with a spatula and heel attachment
> knives for hard snow
> a survival blanket
> an IGN map or a map application on the mobile phone
> a flexible flask for easy drinking when you need it!
Coraline
Wedze communication team
Wintersports lover
