The number of fatal accidents while freeriding – skiing off-piste – doubled last year compared with the average of previous years. To reduce the risk when skiing in deep snow, the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention recommends using marked freeride zones.
With the freeride boom, the number of fatal accidents while skiing and snowboarding off-piste has also increased, the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention said in a statementExternal link on Tuesday. For the five years from 2017-2021, an average of ten freeriders died a year; in 2021 the number of fatalities doubled to 20, the council wrote.
Freeriding has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. More and more winter sports enthusiasts are moving away from the marked slopes. One reason for the increase in fatal accidents may also have been the unfavourable snow cover build-up in recent winters and the associated avalanche danger.
More
More
Mountain accidents in Switzerland: the figures
This content was published on
Mountain accidents are on the rise. How dangerous is hiking in the Swiss Alps?
To reduce the risk of accidents, the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention gave tips for off-piste skiing at the start of the new ski season. For example, it recommended using the designated freeride zones whenever possible. It said many ski resorts have reacted to the trend of freeriding and offer yellow-marked runs. These routes are secured against avalanches by the piste service.
However, they are not prepared or checked. Therefore, they are intended for experienced skiers and snowboarders. Away from these secured slopes and runs the “free terrain” begins, where you ski at your own risk and have to assess the danger of falling and of avalanches yourself, the council warned.
That is why it advised people to attend an avalanche course or to join up with an avalanche expert. It is also important to inform yourself about the current conditions. In addition, an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel should be carried when skiing in deep snow off-piste. Emergency equipment also includes a mobile phone.
More
More
‘Valley of Death’: are the Swiss too tolerant of extreme sports?
This content was published on
Every year thousands of thrill-seeking tourists head to Switzerland – often with fatal consequences.
Top politician tells ‘corrupt’ Eurovision to stay away from Bern
This content was published on
A social media post by the president of Bern’s cantonal government critical of the Eurovision Song Contest has created waves and will be discussed in the cantonal parliament.
Swiss centre records over 200 victims of human trafficking
This content was published on
Last year 317 people took part in a protection programme run by the Specialist Unit for Trafficking in Women and Women’s Migration (FIZ) in German-speaking Switzerland.
This content was published on
The Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and partners are opening a field hospital in southern Gaza on Tuesday.
Lack of smartphone sustainability in Switzerland hits environment
This content was published on
Almost half of all Swiss citizens hang on to their old smartphones, tablets and laptops, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
Police clear out pro-Palestinian students protesting in Geneva
This content was published on
The police intervened early on Tuesday to dislodge pro-Palestinian students who had been occupying the University of Geneva for almost a week.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
More older people injured in sports accidents
This content was published on
The number of people over 65 injured has doubled in the last ten years, says the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU).
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.