PartnerNews | The Safety Academy Lab Snow

In March 2023, we already gave you an initial overview of the digital training platform Lab Snow and reported on practical experiences from the Lechtal. As PowderGuide also accompanied an offline Ortovox Safety Academy this year as part of the Powderfest, we would like to take the opportunity to present the digital tool in more detail. This article will give you an insight into the content of the four chapters of Lab Snow and perhaps motivate you to take a look at the training platform yourself.

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Bundled expertise

In cooperation with the German and French mountain guide associations (VDBS & SNGM) and the Austrian Mountain Rescue Service (ÖBRD), the interactive training platform Lab Snow, together with professional mountain guides and safety and first aid experts, presents comprehensive training content on ski touring and freeriding. The multimedia platform offers a clear and comprehensible presentation of all relevant safety aspects based on the latest research. The platform is not only aimed at beginners, but also at advanced ski tourers and freeriders. The complex topic of avalanche safety is presented for all skill levels in four chapters with interactive learning modules and quizzes. 17 video tutorials on ski touring and freeriding complement the chapters. The southern German company Ortovox now also provides digital access to important mountain knowledge. What is particularly pleasing is that the training platform is offered free of charge to give anyone interested the opportunity to continue their training regardless of location and without financial barriers.

Planning and risk management

The second chapter deals with tour planning, the avalanche report, risk management using the GKMR and ski touring equipment. Lab Snow also provides ski tourers with a checklist to help them consider all the important aspects, from the weather report to communication, when planning their tour. The avalanche bulletin (LLB) and the weather forecast form the basis for tour planning, whereby the danger level and the avalanche problem in particular are decisive when selecting the tour area. Here you can learn how to understand the danger level scale (from 1 to 5).

The assessment of the danger level is always made up of three characteristics: the areal distribution of the danger spots (extent), the stability of the snowpack (readiness to trigger) and the expected avalanche size. The main point emphasised here is that different combinations of these characteristics can lead to the same assessment of danger levels. In practice, it is therefore particularly important to read the detailed information on the characteristics instead of just looking at the abstract figure of the general danger level. Information such as exposure, altitude and the type of terrain in which the danger spots are expected are therefore of the utmost importance when planning a tour. The five different avalanche problems are also explained, which are standardised in the avalanche situation report (new snow problem, drifting snow problem, old snow problem, wet snow/temperature problem, sliding snow problem). For your convenience, Lab Snow provides another matrix for download here, in which the relevant information can be entered in a structured manner and taken along on the tour as a cheat sheet.

The third sub-chapter of route planning explains risk management using the CCMMR method. Here, the three aspects of danger (D), consequences (C) and measures (M) determine the risk (R) and whether a "go" or "no-go" decision is made.  The hazard stands for the trigger probability and the consequences estimate the consequences of an avalanche. The measures are intended to reduce the probability of triggering and the consequences. This determines how risky the project is. Lab Snow takes a closer look at all the individual parameters and explains which aspects they each cover. The slope gradient and how it should be taken into account during planning is also illustrated using a planning example.

Last but not least, the ski equipment is discussed, which consists of hardgoods such as skis, bindings, boots, poles, skins, but also emergency equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe), clothing and a suitable backpack.

On tour and looking into the snow cover

The third chapter deals with the topic of responsible risk management in the field, which corresponds to the second level of the 3x3 filter method. Aspects such as carrying out an avalanche transceiver check, recognising alarming signals, assessing avalanche problems on site and applying the GKMR method on tour are highlighted. This chapter also deals in detail with the topic of snow profiles and explains what information can be obtained by analysing the snowpack.

Firstly, it is important to carry out an on-site check. Before starting the tour and in the terrain, it should be checked whether all the assumptions from the planning are correct and whether the tour needs to be adjusted if there are any deviations. The Lab Snow offers some guiding questions that can help with the assessment. The correct procedure for the avalanche transceiver check is also explained in detail, whereby a distinction is made between the major and minor avalanche transceiver check. Once all safety measures have been completed, the tour can begin. During the tour, the principle of "eyes and ears open" applies in order to continue to pay attention to the three avalanche-forming factors and recognise alarm signs. These include fresh avalanches, booming noises and cracks in the snow cover when making tracks. When observing these, it is essential to adopt defensive behaviour, i.e. stay on a slope inclination of less than 30°. It is also important to assess the expected avalanche problems from the avalanche report on site. Lab Snow also provides tips on how to recognise and assess the individual avalanche problems. The wind signs are also explained here.

In the next section, the GKMR method (hazard + competence - measures = risk) is again explained in detail as one of the decisive assessment methods in the field. In particular, various strategies and tools to help with decision-making processes in the field are clearly explained in Lab Snow. Two methods are presented - one for experienced and one for advanced users.

The chapter also looks at why snow profiles and snow cover tests can be worthwhile alongside rough, general rules of behaviour and data-based methods. Lab Snow presents the various snow cover tests and their advantages. Especially in the case of an old snow problem, a look at the snow cover can be very informative, as the local danger on an individual slope can differ significantly from the regional danger level. Lab Snow shows which aspects are important for the correct creation of a snow profile so that it is also meaningful. It provides a step-by-step guide to carrying out and assessing a snow profile. The motto here is: "Practice makes perfect", so that in future it can be done well in 5 minutes on every tour.  

Finally, the sub-chapter "Nature-friendly ski touring" offers exciting and important content to help you become aware of your own footprint in the terrain. Ortovox also provides tips, tricks and tools for this in its Protact Academy Lab, which would probably be worth an article of its own ...

The Safety Academy Lab Snow offers ski tourers and freeriders a valuable opportunity to experience their adventures in the backcountry with increased safety and a deeper understanding. Why not take a look for yourself? Perhaps as a useful pastime until the next PowderAlert goes off again...