Avalanche warnings now on the cell phone: secure planning for winter adventures

Avalanche warnings now on the cell phone: secure planning for winter adventures

From Sunday, skiers and climbers in Salzburg can again rely on current avalanche warning reports directly on their cell phone. The Land Salzburg-App and the website www.lawine.salzburg.at offer information that is particularly important when it comes to planning ski tours or freerids away from the secured slopes. Michael Butschek from Geosphere Austria emphasizes that the data and warnings collected are decisive for the safety of the athletes. "The dangerous situation can vary depending on the Region, so it is crucial that the report is adjusted regionally," explains Butschek.

The Salzburg mountain rescue is reminiscent of the importance of solid planning. Balthasar Laireiter, head of the mountain rescue, emphasizes that fortunately no avalanche dead were to be complained in the entire Salzburg last winter, but there were a total of 16 missions, which often took place under sometimes very difficult conditions. "These missions would mostly have been avoidable," he continues, pointing out that there was already an incident with a hiker in September that crashed through a wet snow avalanche.

preparation is everything

Laireiter also warns that short trips to the mountains can be dangerous. "The dangers away from the slopes are similar to those of a ski tour," he explains, emphasizing that it is positive that many hotels in the region pass on the current avalanche information to their guests. This information is crucial, especially for those who do not want to stay in the mountains for long.

The avalanche warning commissions are currently preparing intensively for the upcoming winter season. Alexander Schweiger, responsible for the official avalanche warning service, explains that there were intensive training from Thursday to Saturday, in which weather data was interpreted and snow cover examinations were carried out. These training courses are essential to prepare the members of the Commission for their responsible task, to create regular avalanche warning reports.

The training courses are very practical. The almost 1,000 members learn how to behave on helicopter operations and many other safety -related topics. "The combination of basic and further education courses forms a solid basis for the commission members who have a great responsibility for security in their region," continues Schweiger.

Overall, the information and precaution around avalanches is crucial for the security of everyone who wants to experience the beautiful Salzburg mountains in terms of sport. The efforts of mountain rescue and avalanche warning commissions are therefore essential for all outdoor fans.