This winter was unusually snowy and cold throughout Russia, and many tourists rush to seize the opportunity to make an unforgettable winter journey through one of the most interesting tourist destinations. However, besides the great pleasure and an unforgettable experience, winter hiking carry many dangers, so during such tours should be aware of respecting the most important security measures.
Before designing any route in selected tourist areas, it is necessary to gather as much information about it: the nature of the relief of mountains, snow and ice conditions, weather and possible hazards. In snowy areas, such as the Hamar-Daban, Lake Baikal, the best and safest way to travel - on a wide ski type forest ».
As for ski trips in the Caucasus, the most appropriate region for travel is mountainous part of the Central Caucasus and south-western part of the Western Caucasus can not be recommended. Because of the topography, which consists of gorges with long bare grassy slopes, avalanche potential in the presence of snow cover is not recommended for hiking and Zone of the Eastern Caucasus. When choosing a route through Central Caucasus (from Elbrus to Kazbek), on the northern gorges, preferably the eastern, more sunny and dry part of the Ardon to the Terek.
But even after a detailed study of the selected route is already in place, even the most prepared group of tourists skiers may find themselves in an emergency. It should be ready to undergo avalanche region and a meeting with avalanches. Professionals advise taking the following measures:
- During a heavy snowfall to choose a safe area, wait until the weather and the stabilization of fresh snow.
- Going by the avalanche valleys, woodlands, or stick to the windward slopes of the ridge, follow the snow chutes, and to assess their degree of danger.
- In particularly dangerous areas of use for the passage of the cones of fresh avalanches.
no less dangerous in the snow on mountain rivers with thick snow cover, thawed and wormwood. In such places, better stick to the valley slopes and terraces of the coast.
Another danger is restricted visibility: fog, dusk, dark, polar night is not dangerous in themselves, and that impede the proper orientation and evaluation of the real situation: the real definition of the slope slopes, avalanche danger, the presence of breaks and cracks. Experience suggests that in poor visibility, the most prudent to stop the movement.
In the dark, steepness and speed of the descent on skis estimated, usually smaller than in reality. The consequence of this is very often an injury and breakage of skis.
sun is especially dangerous eye burns. Snow blindness can ill not only on a clear sunny day. No less dangerous cloudy days. There have been cases of eye disease in humans, even being in the tent. To protect the eye lovers of winter hikes must have sunglasses, preferably with orange glass, which in cloudy and foggy weather is best renders even minor irregularities snowpack. For recovery from snow blindness is sometimes enough to stay one or two days blindfolded. It is also recommended to apply the lotion from the sleep of tea.
Cold snap, for example, after the thaw, it is dangerous if the group is forced to continue moving. damp clothes and shoes that are in the cold quickly turned into an ice shell, it is not to keep warm. In the worst situation are the tourists, which finds the chill in overcoming the difficult slope, which limits the possibility of movement and are involved in sedentary nature of the action. Just a quick breakdown of bivouac and warming by the campfire or in a sleeping bag (pre-dressed in all dry) can prevent trouble with dire consequences.
Compliance with these security measures greatly reduces the risk that your winter trip will be overshadowed by any trouble, and incidents and, of course, will save on this winter, only the most vivid and sweet memories.