Alpine Skiing Special

Alpine skiing is a way to enjoy unique sights, as long as you follow all the relevant rules with the utmost care and attention

Alpine skiing is a sport for those who like to tackle the mountains in the winter season. Anyone who knows how to ski can begin this sport (if accompanied by an alpine guide or expert companions), as long as they have the right kind of will and enthusiasm; they will certainly be rewarded by the unique and spectacular scenery. You must be properly informed about your chosen route, for which you will need the help of an experienced alpine guide; otherwise, you must consult the different alpine skiing guidebooks and to take a map of the area concerned, together with an altimeter and compass. You must study your route thoroughly, down to the smallest detail: the climbing time and difference in altitude, development, the exposure of the terrain, and the descent time. Equally important is the equipment recommended by the alpine skiing guide for that particular route (crampons, ice-pick, rope, etc.). The day before setting out, it is extremely important to read the LOCAL SNOW AND WEATHER BULLETIN in order to assess the weather conditions and the stability of the snow, as well as the degree of risk concerning avalanches. Read this bulletin with care.

Alpine skiing should be approached differently to downhill skiing on the pistes, since this discipline involves contact with every wild natural aspect of the mountains. If you are not familiar with the area, you must always have the help of alpine guides in order to make crossings in complete safety. Alpine skiing is NEVER practiced when weather conditions are unfavourable or uncertain, when the avalanche bulletin signals marked or strong levels of danger or when alpine guides advise against it. It is also good practice never to venture out alone but always accompanied; never go off without telling anyone where you are going or set out in the warmest period of the season when the snows are thawing or when the Föhn or any other type of wind is blowing. What is more, you should always have an A.R.V.A. (Avalanche transceiver), SHOVEL and PROBE with you. Don’t forget that reckless and at times, irresponsible skiers often venture up to mountains and that their rashness can be a risk to your safety by causing – even though involuntarily – extremely dangerous snow unloads (as we have unfortunately seen in recent news stories).

Our web site www.dolomitimeteo.com contains some spectacular photographs in the photo gallery section. These are the work of Giuseppe Weiss, a lover of our mountains as well as a colleague of ours. Don’t miss these unique sights.