Avalanches

We've all seen the cartoons. A scimpy scallywag decides to sing a song and abracadabra - down comes enough snow to bury the pyramids.

Of course, half the fun of hitting the mountains is in letting off steam - you don't come here to go and hide away in a cave (unless you're a troglodyte or your name's Gollum). But if you're out and about, remembering a few basic safety precautions is paramount. The bald facts of the matter remain that there are accidents every year. So when it comes to the ancient threat of the avalanche, here are a few basic tips.

First things first. If you're about to go out, ask a local what their thoughts are on the conditions. Many families have lived here for centuries so they know a thing or two about what's what. (We should add here that this doesn't stop the odd fellow from falling asleep in the snow after drinking too much on a Friday night.... so while we remember, never take a nap in the snow, no matter how good the vodka!)

Here are some more basic avalanche precautions:

Naturally enough, all areas above the woodland are the most high risk places.

And generally speaking, if snow is falling especially heavily, there's always a risk of a spontaneous avalanche.

Likewise, if the temperature rises unexpectedly whilst the sun is shining on a steep snowy slope, there's a high risk.

When things get really dicey, there are often official avalanche alerts, in which case all access to the mountains is forbidden.

Warming Signs

If snow appears to collapse in a broad area around you

Winds are piling up disproportionate amounts of snow on certain slopes

If you see any evidence of recent collapses of snow

Finally there are the basic no nos. Don't do Tarzan impressions or generally make a racket up high in the slopes. And don't climb on snow-overhangs.

After all that, we don't want to unnecessarily worry you. Remember, there are alaways Tatra official Mountain Guides who are on hand to put you in the picture and provide you with assistance.