T° Min : 3°C T° Max : 3°C
Afternoon : T° Min : 5°C T° Max : 16°C
Freeriding
Enjoy Freeriding
Renowned for its exceptional backcountry skiing, Tignes is a winter sport recreation area for avid freeriders eager to express themselves in open spaces. To keep freeriding fun, the resort has placed safety at the top of its priorities. The aim is to make you aware of rules and risks relating to backcountry skiing.
GET INFORMED... The freeride points
Before heading out for a freeride session, it’s essential to get information on the weather forecast of the day and the snow-cover conditions.
> Check out the weather forecast, avalanche-risk and observed-avalanche bulletins of the past 72 hours for the Tignes area posted at the 4 Freeride Points located on Tignes ski area, and the "Maisons de Tignes".
> When you are in the chairlift, check the area state and locate the line you are planning to follow.
> Get even more information on the slopes: the ski patrol will be pleased to welcome you in their chalets and give you advice.
BE PREPARED
- Study your itinary on a piste map or a topographic map. Contact professionals, such as high-mountain guides and ski instructors for information.
- Before setting out, verify the number of people in your group, to be sure not to forget anyone in the backcontry or under the snow.
- Make sure that your companions have the technical proficiency for the planned itinary and that they are in good physical condition.
- Prepare your backpack, which should contain your probe and shovel. Don't forget to check your A.R.V.A.* batteries. You should wear your A.R.V.A. on your person, under your jacket.
Freeriding
Are you ready?
GET EQUIPED…
A.R.V.A.*, shovel and probe are a freerider's best friend. And because having a good equipment isn't enough, come and learn how to use it during introductory A.R.V.A.* session, organized every week by Tignes ski patrol on the A.R.V.A.* Training Zone. More +.
> The A.R.V.A.*
(Avalanche tranceiver or avalanche beacon)
An A.R.V.A.* is a transmitter/receiver. It allows rescuers to search for the exact location of an avalanche victim, even when buried under several metres of snow.
> The probe
After the victim's localization via the A.R.V.A.*, the probe allows rescuers to locate the victim with greater precision and certitude and, above all, to know how far down to dig.
> The shovel
Finally, the shovel allows rescuers to reach the buried victim and get him or her out in time.
A.R.V.A.*, shovel and probe: an essential trio of every off-piste outing. Neglecting a single link in this important chain limits the effectiveness of every search!
PRACTICE…
Tignes offers you 9 "Naturides": black slopes, marked out with beacons but not groomed. Natural freeride conditions are preserved, allowing you to test the off-slope area in a secure way. Brilliant for sensations seekers!
Freeriding
Be cautious...
KNOW WHEN TO SAY WHEN…
Conditions in the mountains can change quickly. Return when the conditions are once again optimal for your outing. Poor visibility, fog, night and snowfall disrupt and slow down assistance efforts in the event of an accident. If the conditions are anything but optimal, it is highly recommended to stay on the marked pistes!
THE ABC OF FREERIDING… Advice from one who knows
Tignes native and four-time freeriding world champion Guerlain Chicherit has this word of advice: “Never head out alone.”
“Before any backcountry outing :
1/ Be aware of any avalanche risks:
2/ Check the snow-pack with the ski patrol
3/ Never head out alone
4/ And don’t forget the essential trio: A.R.V.A.*, snow shovel and probe – a freerider’s best friends.”
On avalanches (in French)
A.R.V.A.* = avalanche tranceiver
Freeriding
How to dig by B. Edgerly & D.Atkins
Excavating without a plan delays the rescue effort. Here are a few simple strategies to gain time:
- Building terraces will help you remove the snow.
- Sitting or kneeling is more ergonomic than standing.
- Digging side by side is more efficient than one person digging behind another.
- The optimal hole length is 1 1/2 times the depth indicated by the probe.
- The hole must be between 1.25 and 2 metres wide, depending on the number of persons equipped with shovels for digging.
- For victims buried under more than 2 metres of snow, it can be difficult to remove the snow from the hole. In this case, it is easier to make 2 terraces and to transfer the snow from the first to the second terrace, from which others could then remove it using shovels.
Freeriding
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TIGNES.NET
In the heart of Savoy, in France's Northern Alps, Tignes’ ski resort welcomes you in summer and winter. From freeriding to MTB downhill trails, golf or spa therapy, you’re certain to enjoy yourself. Whether for recreation, accommodation, equipment rental or event planning, Tignes is ready to help make arrangements for your stay. A superb holiday in the mountains awaits you. Tignes is also the resort of the Winter X Games: the major event in snowboard and freestyle ski! The next Winter X Games Europe Tignes will take place from March 16th to 18th, 2011.
