"They say that a little knowledge is dangerous, but in the skiing and snowboarding world it can be deadly.
 
Each winter around 100 people die in avalanches across The Alps, mostly in slides they trigger themselves but the accidents rarely get reported as resorts don’t publicise them and journalists don’t tend to ask.
 
A few are tragic accidents but most could be avoided if simple guidelines were followed.
 
The trouble is many people now have a basic knowledge of off piste safety and I reckon it lulls them into a false sense of security. I live in Verbier during the winter and I see it every day. I don't buy into the line that I often hear after someone has died; "He died doing what he loved......"
 
In my opinion far too much of the off piste safety culture is geared to rescue. We are told to wear a transceiver, have a shovel/probe and know how to use them.
 
Far better is not to get caught in the first place.
 
So how do you know if a slope is safe?  Well, if you are standing at the top of a beautiful powder bowl, asking yourself that question and come up with “Well it looks OK I think,” or “Someone else has put some tracks in so it should be fine,” then you shouldn’t be there or you should have a Mountain Guide with you.
 
“You should know that south facing slopes should be avoided in the afternoon in the spring but are often the safest in the early season,” says the guide, Nick Parks, from Mountain Tracks. “Shears occur when a weak layer collapses and wind plays a major part so knowing your lee slopes from and windward slope is a must.”
 
Personally I never ski an area that I don’t know, I always keep an eye out for people skiing above me and have an exit route in mind if it does slide.  I also enjoy making the decision to turn back if I’m unsure and, above all else, I keep thinking.
 
Doing a Mountain Safety Course is vital and spending time off piste with people you trust, observing them and asking questions is essential.
 
Far and away the best way is to ski with a Mountain Guide as not only will you be safe but you will also find better snow too.
 
So if you do all this and get into powder skiing then a whole new world will open up for you.  With the new equipment it is not that difficult and it is THE best type of skiing.
 
It is dangerous but a lot less so than driving a car and many more people die in the mountains in the summer while walking than when out skiing in the winter.
 
Educate yourself and keep safe."

In the Snow is the most widely distributed ski magazine in the UK.  You can find out all about it here and sign up for your free copy. James will be writing a column for each of its 6 issues this winter.  In the next one he casts his eye over the coming winter season and wonders why everyone is so worried about it.

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