There have been many unfortunate and tragic events and tragedies in recent years (Ed. 2019-2020), which means it is important to think carefully and look into the causes, for example why they happened and how we can stop them happening again.
Reading a historic mountaineering manual (Alpinismo by Giovanni Pizzi) you are amazed at how the subject of "avalanches" and the dangers that come from snow was washed away (never was the phrase more fitting) in barely 4 brief little pages.
Things are less bad in a more recent book published by Piemme, "Il manuale dell'Alpinista" by Giancarlo Corbellini, where, despite the patronage of the Club Alpino Italiano, the subject is still only skimmed.
More could and should have been said in both manuals, which in their day were widely read among mountaineers. Unfortunately the situation is no better in other texts.
That is why we decided to create this section devoted to avalanches and, more generally, to all the “dangers that come from snow and ice”.
When to worry about snowpack conditions and avalanche risk
When we are occasional or inexperienced hikers
The first is that you are occasional hikers (the classic Sunday hiker who goes out 4 times a year) and that, all the same, you like to enjoy wonderful days in the mountains walking on snow, sometimes even on steep snowy slopes, but you have neither the interest nor the time to devote to studying avalanches.
In this case remember that there is already someone doing it for you. In Italy there are several avalanche forecasting services: the Meteomont Service (of the Alpine Troops Command) and the AINEVA one. Lastly, we can consult the website of the European Avalanche Warning Services. On these sites you can get precise information on snowpack conditions and on any avalanche risk in the area. This, added to the weather forecast, will quickly let you make up your mind whether to go out into the mountains or stay at home in front of the fire.
When we are regular and more attentive hikers
The second case is that you are regular hikers who, besides the wonderful days in the mountains spent with ideal snowpack and weather, may also happen to go out in the mountains in less “ideal” weather and snow conditions.
One thing is certain: whatever drives you to the mountains, in this case it is essential to get a precise idea, point by point, of what the dangers of snow are and which ones you might run into. Here we suggest you read the articles on this subject and also build up your own knowledge, developing a critical eye and sharpening your feel for the state of the snow, learning to observe and understand where you are walking or skiing.
In this case too, before setting off on a hike it is indispensable to study the weather and snow bulletins to understand the condition of the snowpack. Snow is constantly changing and, depending on temperatures, can be more or less of a risk for the hiker.
Whether we are inexperienced or more seasoned hikers, the day before setting off on a new adventure it is useful (without beating about the bush: if we want to stay alive) to find out about the weather and snow conditions.