When engaging in winter sports outside controlled areas
If you engage in activities beyond the boundaries of marked and open pistes, or cross-country ski or hiking trails, you are responsible for your own safety. You are exposed to the danger of avalanches and other Alpine hazards and can trigger avalanches yourself. Taking the following measures can help to reduce the risks of an accident.
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Obtain information about current avalanche dangers (www.slf.ch, White Risk App")
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Plan your trip carefully and adapt your behaviour to current conditions.
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Switch your avalanche transceiver to the 'send' mode; take along an avalanche shovel and probe; be sure that you know how to use this emergency equipment. Wearing an avalanche airbag is also recommended.
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Attend an avalanche course to learn about route planning, terrain and avalanche danger assessment, and companion rescue.
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In case of doubt, remain on secured pistes or join a group with a professional guide.
Along transportation routes and in settlements - Before the winter arrives
Ask the district authority or cantonal natural hazards agency whether the building in which you live is exposed to avalanche danger. If you live in a red or blue danger zone, take the precautions described below before the onset of winter.
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Familiarise yourself with the sources of information concerning current avalanche dangers and with officially prescribed measures: obtain the Internet address and telephone number of the local authority and/or avalanche service, subscribe to text messaging services.
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Make certain that you can be contacted by telephone: give your telephone number to the local authority / avalanche service.
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Inspect the means of securing windows and doors, shutters etc.
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Make ready rooms on the ground floor / in the basement where you would be able to live for several days.
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Make sure that you are able to contact, and receive information from, the authorities from these rooms (telephone, battery-operated radio).
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Keep snow clearing tools, torches and replacement batteries ready to hand.
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Replenish emergency provisions (guidance of the Federal Office for National Economic Supply).
Along transportation routes and in settlements - In case of an acute avalanche situation
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Follow instructions issued by the authorities, respect cordons.
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Continuously monitor information concerning the current situation and officially prescribed measures (Internet / radio / text messaging / telephone).
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Close window shutters on the side of the building facing the slope and the adjacent sides.
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Do not leave the building, stay in the basement / on the ground floor.
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Keep a house snow shovel, pickaxe, torch and replacement batteries ready to hand.
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Extinguish open fires and flames.
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Switch off electrical appliances that you do not need.
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Maintain contact with the district authority / avalanche service / police.
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Be ready to evacuate.
Any evacuation made necessary by the avalanche danger will be directed and conducted by the local authorities. You can prepare for an evacuation by taking the following action:
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Keep warm clothing and sturdy winter footwear ready to hand.
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Pack a small rucksack or travel bag with personal necessities.
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Gather important documents.