Avalanche danger in the Alps calls for caution: “If in doubt, call off the trip”
Team Areaquattro5 January 20261 minute read
The avalanche bulletin reports a level 3 “considerable” danger in the Cottian and Maritime Alps above 2,500 metres, due to unstable wind-drifted snow.
The snowfall of the past few days, together with strong winds, has formed drifts that are poorly bonded to the snowpack below, especially on steep north-facing slopes and near ridges and changes in gradient. In these conditions a single skier or hiker passing by can be enough to trigger an avalanche.
Before every outing it is important to check the latest avalanche bulletin, carefully assess the route and your own experience, and always carry avalanche rescue equipment (transceiver, shovel and probe) and know how to use it. If in doubt, there is only one safe choice: call off the trip or switch to a less exposed route.
Areaquattro has long worked on avalanche hazard management for ski areas, transport routes and civil protection, and works with AINEVA to train professionals in the field.
Drone photogrammetry and laser scanning make it possible to measure seasonal changes in snow and ice precisely, supporting risk management at high altitude.
