Philip and his friends were planning a ski trip, but they also want to get away from the groom piece.

It's and have some fun off pieced.

However, Philip knows that in order to stay safe, they need to pay attention to a couple of things.

In winter, There is always the risk of a potential avalanche, which means some careful planning work for Philip.

He finds out about the current avalanche conditions and the weather in their ski region.

He also thinks about who was going on the trip.

Are they all fit enough?

Are they experienced?

And do they have the right equipment?

Last but not least, he also researches their exact route.

The latest avalanche conditions can be found by Philip at w w w dot avalanche dot org's.

There are five levels on the avalanche danger scale.

Level one indicates a low risk of avalanches.

Level two indicates moderate danger and Level three represents considerable danger at level, for the danger of avalanches is considered high and there is an extreme risk at level five.

But what does that mean?

There are a few rules of thumb.

You can follow.

If there is a moderate danger level, you should stay in terrain less than 40 degrees.

Thistle is extremely steep, usually rocky terrain.

At level three.

You should avoid terrain that a steeper than 30 degrees, any angle greater than this is classed as a steep slope.

If the danger of avalanches has raided his high, then you should stay on secured slopes.

If the danger is rated as extreme, you should spend the day in the Sana instead.

Philip knows that even in Level one conditions, he still needs to pay attention to local dangers.

Thes can include critical amounts of new snow, fresh snow drifts, thoroughly moist snow and unstable old snowpacks.

In addition to this, fresh avalanches, collapsing sounds and cracks in the snowpack can indicate potential risks.

Yeah, the first preparations have been made, but even right before they set out, there are still several things they need to think of before the tour.

Everyone checks their kit and take some emergency equipment with them.

They also test that there avalanche search devices, otherwise known as avalanche transceivers, are working properly in the event of an accident.

These can make the difference between life and death.

Philip, make sure that everyone knows the route and the position of a safe meeting point.

He also reminds everyone to make sure they always keep a safe distance between each other.

Thanks to their great preparation work, they are ready to go skiing.