Biggest Jan Snowfalls in 30 (or 60) Years In Austrian Tirol
Biggest Jan Snowfalls in 30 (or 60) Years In Austrian Tirol
Published : 09-Jan-2012 10:06
After France and Switzerland, Austria is the latest European country to report sensational snowfall.
The famous ski nation had already been faring well with snowfall from mid-December but the accumulations seem to have stepped up another gear with several resorts in the Tirol reporting that January 2012 is the snowiest for 30 years.
For the resorts of Nauders and Galtür the claim is the most January snow in 60 years.
Some of the heaviest snowfall of the past 24 hours has been recorded at Berwang, in the Zugspitz Arena in the north of the country close to the German border, with up to 70cm (2.3 feet) falling.
The famous Arlberg region – home to St Anton and Lech – has reported snow depths on the Galzig now at 550cm (18 feet) and on the Valluga at 585cm (six inches under 20 feet).
It has been snowing over in the east of the Tirol region too, with the Skiwelt Wilder-Kaiser Brixental reporting 50cm, Kitzbühel 30cm and the Alpbach Valley reporting 40cm of fresh snow.
Later this week the forecast suggests a little sunshine is on its way, which should create some of the most amazing skiing conditions once slopes are made avalanche safe and in some cases, villages that are currently cut off, have access rail and road routes dug out.
The Tirol Tourist Board says that while it can be easy to get carried away with the excitement of fresh powder, heavy snowfall over a short period of time can also increase the risk of avalanche danger.
"Understanding mountain safety is an absolute must both on- and off-piste." Said a statement from the tourist board, which recommends all skiers and boarders follow the following five basic safety tips to enjoy their holiday to the full:
1) Get informed: weather forecasts, snow reports and avalanche bulletins are widely available on the internet and through the local tourist offices. Conditions can change quickly in the mountains so always be prepared. Always carry a piste map and know how to get help if needed.
2) Signage: take notice of what's around you – make sure you know your location and take note of the difficulty level of the piste. Most importantly pay attention to signs, issuing warnings such as piste closed or to the flags notifying the avalanche danger level. Don't ignore the signs – they are there for a reason!
3) Protection: wear the right equipment and clothing. Protecting your head is vital – so make sure you wear a helmet. If you choose to go off-piste, always go with a certified guide and don't forget to carry a transceiver, probe and shovel. Having the correct safety equipment and more importantly, knowing how to use it, is fundamental.
4) Be responsible: check out the FIS (International Ski Federation) rules for ski and snowboard conduct – your Highway Code to the slopes! Always make sure the skier in front has priority and adapt the manner and speed of your skiing to your ability and the conditions on the mountain.
5) Learn from the experts: ski instructors and guides know the mountains better than anyone and booking a lesson or a few hours guiding can not only improve your skiing skills, but provide you with local knowledge about the mountains and resort.
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