Freeriders - like all other visitors to the mountains - use topographical maps for orientation in the terrain. Detailed topo maps on a large scale are the basis for planning all freeride tours and are often an ideal source for finding interesting lines. Here is an introduction to the basics of map reading. Freeriders use topographical maps. These represent a miniaturized image of the earth's surface. Topographical maps are available in different scales - the larger the scale (i.e. the smaller the scale number), the more detailed terrain information can be obtained from the map. Freeriders and ski tourers use maps at a scale of 1:25,000. 1 cm on the map corresponds to 25,000 cm, i.e. 250 m in the terrain. 4 cm on the map is 1 km in nature. Maps with a smaller scale, e.g. 1:50,000, provide an overview of a larger area - but they are already less suitable for tour planning, as a lot of information usually has to be omitted (otherwise they would no longer be legible due to all the information). However, there are often very good special maps at a scale of 1:50,000, e.g. the Swiss ski tour maps. Maps are always generalized, which means that nature is represented in certain symbols. This is why there are legends to go with the maps, explaining the most important ones.
Heavenly directions
Maps are always "north", i.e. north is at the top, south at the bottom, east is on the right and west on the left. Many maps also contain a coordinate system or search grid. This allows you to determine your exact position, which can be very important if, for example, you need to give your position to a mountain rescue team.
Slope and terrain shapes
The terrain shapes (relief) are displayed with the help of so-called contour lines. These connect points of the same height. The contour lines follow the contours of the terrain. Contour lines are drawn for every 20 meters of altitude. The closer together they are, the steeper the terrain is. If the distances between the contour lines are large, the terrain is flatter. Missing contour lines mark a plain. Every fifth contour line is drawn in bold and marks a 100-meter contour line.
With the help of the map, you can determine quite reliably how steep the slope is without having seen it. To do this, measure the distance between the contour lines using a suitable template. (Attention: The template must correspond to the respective scale of 1:25 000 or 1:50 000!
However, not all details can be shown due to the generalized form of representation. Rock bands are not always shown - but they may be too high for jumping. The terrain shapes, with the exception of small shapes, are represented by contour lines. Dealing with this type of representation requires practice and, at the beginning, transferring the two-dimensional map into three-dimensional terrain is somewhat difficult. For freeriders, the information about the terrain (relief) is of great importance. Key points on a tour, e.g. risky steep slopes, can be recognized at an early stage and avoided if necessary. You can also find ascent and descent options adapted to the conditions - avalanche danger and weather situation.
Working with the map
Maps are an indispensable aid when planning a tour. They contain a wealth of information about the shape and composition of the terrain, vegetation, bodies of water, buildings, subsoil, etc. Most topographical offices issue information sheets explaining all the signs and markings. In addition to the map, you will need a pencil and possibly a simple magnifying glass (makes reading easier), a template to measure the slope inclination and possibly a touring or freeride guide for the area in question.
Location determination
Before every tour, you first need to determine your own location on the map. This is also done with the help of prominent points and is usually not a problem at the start of the tour. However, if you find yourself in areas where this is no longer possible, e.g. on a high plateau in winter, various techniques can be used for orientation and determining your location. One reliable way to determine your location is to use a navigation system (GPS): you can use the location information from the GPS device to determine your location on the map.
Tour planning
Determine start and destination
The next step is to determine the start and destination before each tour. A route that seems sensible is drawn on the map (tip: if you want to plan several tours or don't want to clutter up the map, it is advisable to attach a transparent film to the map and work on it with foil markers). When choosing a route, pay attention to key points - avoid places that are particularly prone to avalanches. The ascents should not be too steep and should be as even as possible. The steepness and exposure of the slopes on the ascent and descent are of decisive importance when choosing a route. Determine possible alternative and alternative routes when planning your tour. If the conditions do not meet your expectations or unfavorable conditions make it impossible to ski certain routes/slopes, you can head for an alternative destination - perhaps without any loss of fun.
Determine slope inclination
A special template is used for this. This is usually made of transparent plastic. There is a scale on the long edge of the template that can be used to measure the slope inclination. This is how it is done:1. mark the point to be measured - usually the steepest part of the slope.
2. place the template perpendicular (90°) to the contour lines.
3. the distances of the scale must match the distances of the contour lines.
4. the larger (= steeper) value is read off and 1 degree is added as a safety margin.
5. the result is the approximate slope inclination. (However, the actual slope gradient may be steeper, e.g: Steepening due to snow drifting,
inaccurate map ...).Note: Many slopes are actually steeper than on the map due to their S-profile, which only reflects the average slope gradient.
Determine slope exposure
The exposure of the respective slopes is of great importance for tour and freeride planning (see also the current avalanche report). The exposure can be determined with the help of the contour lines: A line is drawn through the parallel contour lines of a slope. The direction in which the slope falls must now be determined. By comparing this direction with the north direction of the map, the exposure can be reliably determined. Note: Gullies and hollows have different exposures. In this case, the less favorable exposure must be taken into account.
Time planning
In addition to the steepness, the length of the ascent is an important factor in time planning. The distance that has to be covered is of central importance for time management. To do this, use a ruler to measure the approximate distance and convert it (depending on the scale).
Time planning is based on the following rules of thumb:
Approx. 4 km distance (horizontal distance) / hour and
approx. 400 meters of altitude / hour on the ascent.
Attention! This rough rule of thumb for tour planning cannot be applied to every situation. Snowboarders with snowshoes are usually significantly slower than touring ski users.
The total time required is calculated by adding the time required for the vertical meters to that of the route.
Example of a tour:
6 km horizontal distance: approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes
1000 vertical meters: approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes
Total time required:Distance = one and a half hours (= 90 min.)
Ascent = two and a half hours (= 150 min.)
Total: 240 min. Total time required: approx. 4 hours, plus the time for the descent
This time planning includes approx. 20-30% extra for unforeseen circumstances: e.g. equipment problems, bypassing critical slopes and also short breaks.
