From avalanches to slips, 'Safe on the snow' returns

Avalanches, slips, hypothermia:the CAI has organized a "Safe in the snow" day on January 21st to promote safety on the snow

AOSTA – Awareness, information and prevention of dangers that can be encountered when visiting the mountains in winter (especially linked to avalanches, at slip on frozen ground andhypothermia):are the key words of the 2024 edition of the national day "Safe in snow”, which the Italian Alpine Club and the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps have scheduled for Sunday 21 January.

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A widespread event, involving dozens of Alpine and Apennine locations in 12 regions, through which the Cnsas, which this year celebrates its 70th anniversary, and the CAI intend to spread knowledge of the behaviors and measures necessary to reduce the risk of being involved in accidents, even towards those with more experience.
The Alpine Rescue and CAI volunteers will set up stands and snow fields at the start of the main hiking and ski mountaineering routes and will raise awareness among visitors of the importance of carefully evaluating their abilities, limits and equipment in the days preceding the exit. that you intend to take with you, without forgetting the consultation of weather and avalanche bulletins.The day predicts relief demonstrations of victims of avalanches with the use of avalanche transceivers, probe and shovel, mandatory tools for those who frequent snow-covered environments where there are avalanche dangers.Conferences on prevention and self-help will also be organised.It will be there under the magnifying glass the climate crisis:anomalies in seasonal temperature variations and precipitation undermine the stability of the snow cover on the slopes and terrains of the itineraries frequented by enthusiasts, thus increasing the danger of avalanches and collapses.

“Propose moments of reflection on environmental assessments, behaviors, personal limits and the ability to give up e important because prevention remains a primary cultural fact", states the manager of "Safe with snow" Elio Guastalli.“It's not just the avalanche risk that worries us.We also want to raise attention on slips on frozen ground and on problems related to hypothermia, which are more worrying as they occur more often than avalanche accidents.Finally, let's not forget the psychological aspect: with the snow often taking a long time to arrive, eagerness and impatience grow among enthusiasts.Probably also for this reason, as soon as it snows, it doesn't matter if it is hot and the snow is not settled, many feel the obligation not to waste time, neglecting attention to prevention".
Italian Alpine Club and Alpine and Speleological Rescue recommend the use of GeoResQ, an application dedicated to mountain activities capable of send a call for help when you are in danger and you need help.Since last July the app has been totally free, thanks to the funds that the Ministry of Tourism has allocated to the CAI.