Safety in the snow

adventure sports show us a very fun side with which to enjoy our days of free time and rest. But there are certain sports or places to practice it that have special characteristics that must be taken into account.

Physical preparation

To go out into the mountains, without taking avoidable risks, it is necessary to be in good shape. If you spend a lot of time not being active, get some exercise, like running, swimming, or riding a bike. It's a good idea to spend a day or two at the beginning of the season at a station, it will serve as a kind of training, as well as to test and adjust the new material.

When the technique is mastered, surfing down the snowy mountain is usually not a problem, however, we must not forget the effort of the climb. To undertake it, good cardiorespiratory capacity is necessary - which is enhanced by running or cycling - and strength of certain muscles. Good physical preparation will allow you not to use all your strength on the climb, since excessive fatigue can prevent us from applying our technique and resources on the descent.

Route planning

Before leaving it is necessary to know in depth the route we are going to follow. To do this, consult a map that is as detailed as possible (mountain climbers usually use 1:25,000 scale ones), in addition to asking forestry agents and guides. mountain in the area. Try to talk to someone who has already done the route you are planning and find out about the state of the roads and the weather report in the area. Do not venture into the mountains if you do not master all the types of terrain and snow that you may encounter and, above all, do not choose sections or activities that are above your technical level. The more information you have, the safer the route will be later.

Orientation

One of the problems that can arise in the mountains is the location of the itinerary. If you are in a known area and the weather is good, you will not have problems. However, things can get complicated if you are moving in unknown terrain or if, for example, you are surprised by a storm. Orientation is essential thanks to a good map and consulting it frequently during the excursion.

They are also necessary a compass, an altimeter and the GPS, an electronic instrument that gives us our position in altitude and latitude coordinates. If you get lost despite wearing the right equipment, don't panic. If there is still light, try to locate your position with the help of the map and compass. If it's getting dark, prepare an emergency camp and wait until the next day to decide whether to call for help or whether you can find your way on your own.

Weather conditions

On any mountain tour, the cold, sun, wind or snow can take your chances, so it is essential to be prepared to face any problems that may arise. To avoid injuries caused by the cold, such as hypothermia or frostbite, you should be well equipped, with dry and warm clothing, and wear mittens, a hat and a balaclava to protect your facial skin. . When stopping it is important to dress warmly, and if you sit on the ground, do so on an insulator or on your backpack.

If the stop is prolonged, look for a place protected from the wind and snow. The hands and feet are most exposed to heat loss and, therefore, are the parts most prone to frostbite. If you notice loss of sensitivity and mobility in your fingers, describe circles with your arms and hands well extended, you will soon notice how blood reaches your fingers. For your feet, it is best to move your legs back and forth like a pendulum, jump or run without moving from your spot.

Protect yourself from the sun, always wear glasses and sunscreen with a high protective factor. Remember that the latter is also necessary on cloudy days. It is advisable to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, even in summer, to protect the skin from burns.

If you are surprised by a storm, protect yourself as soon as possible. When visibility is poor, it is best to stop and take shelter in the tent or a cabin if there is one nearby. But if you are on a slope with avalanche risk, it is best to continue to a safe place. If the storm is electrical, try to descend to a lower altitude area, seek shelter in a large cave or a group of trees and isolate yourself from the ground by sitting on the mat.

The altitude

"Altitude sickness" occurs due to the reduced oxygen pressure at high altitudes. Its symptoms are dizziness, sleep disorders, headache , nausea, weakness and general tiredness. It occurs above 2,500 m altitude, that is, in most mountain areas, although if the stay at altitude is brief, only greater fatigue will be felt.

To avoid this, it is essential to climb little by little and always sleep at altitudes below 3,000 m. If this is not possible, because you are above 3,000 m, try to sleep at most 300 m. higher than the night before. It is also advisable to gain a little altitude before descending to sleep, as this strategy facilitates the acclimatization process.

In case of accident

When an accident occurs, you have to decide between asking for help or transporting the injured person. To do this, the means available to the group, the place where it is located and the weather must be assessed. If it is nothing serious, perhaps it can be solved with the medicines in the first aid kit, which on long-term voyages should contain at least a bandage, tape, cotton, disinfectant, antibiotics, painkillers and scissors. If the means are not sufficient to heal the injured person, we will have to ask for help via the radio, indicating the situation we are in. and the condition of the patient. While help arrives, it is advisable to shelter and protect the injured person well, trying to move him or her as little as possible.

Avalanches

Avalanches are one of the greatest dangers that mountaineers and skiers face, so it is advisable to be well informed about them before leaving. Check the weather report and the local avalanche report, and ask people in the area. On the way to the starting point of the excursion, look for remains of recent avalanches. Before leaving it is essential to check that the avalanche search detectors (ARVA) are working correctly.

Most avalanches occur during or just after storms, as freshly fallen snow is the most unstable. Therefore, if it starts to snow during the excursion, it is necessary to be alert, especially if the snowfall is heavy.

The snow cover must be continually evaluated, observing weak or oxygen pressure at high altitudes. Its symptoms are dizziness, sleep disorders, headache , nausea, weakness and general tiredness. It occurs above 2,500 m altitude, that is, in most mountain areas, although if the stay at altitude is brief, only greater fatigue will be felt.

To avoid this, it is essential to climb little by little and always sleep at altitudes below 3,000 m. If this is not possible, because you are above 3,000 m, try to sleep at most 300 m. higher than the night before. It is also advisable to gain a little altitude before descending to sleep, as this strategy facilitates the acclimatization process.