Guest Blogs

How to be best prepared when skiing off piste with Martin McKay

We’ve another guest blog post today, this time looking at minimising the risk of accidents off piste, an unfortunate occurance that can happen all too often.  Martin Mckay from skimckay.com, Val d’Isere shares some of his Top Tip’s on how to be prepared and stay safe on the pistes…

Every year thousands of skiers and snowboarders head off piste in search of the dream powder run.

Usually skiers and boarders show up for 1 or 2 weeks in a resort. As soon as the snow falls they have a tendency to rush on to the open off piste slopes and make fresh powder tracks. This can be when accidents happen.

I, Martin have a solution > skimckay’s 5 skiing steps.

“ I’m often asked to share my expertise in mountain safety. Here is my essential guide.”

1) Even before you arrive in your ski resort of choice, ensure you have been watching the weather forecast and current conditions before arriving. This helps you to pick up vital feedback about the weather history so when you arrive you are far more aware of the conditions.

2) Once in resort, seek the knowledge of a professional ski coach or guide, I’d always advise hiring a professional for your own safety.

3) Go to the local tourist information, here they will point you to the local weather forecasts, these forecasts will detail the snow conditions, avalanche level and stability.

4) Check the local avalanche risk level. In France for example it runs from low level risk ( 1 ) to high level risk ( 5 ).

This is a photo of an information board in Val d’Isere, France. You’ll notice the level on this particular day was 1. Also see other useful information:

5) My last tip, but by far not the least important. After a snowfall, DO NOT rush on to the big off piste slopes, DO NOT succumb to peer pressure to go where your instinct says ‘NO’ and finally you DO NOT need to travel far across a slope to ski the best snow.

“Friends, I want you to ski safe and ski well, I want to give you a gift to help you get the most out of your off piste experience.  Click the image below to get my free ‘How To Ski Power’ Guide.”

ABOUT Martin Mckay, skimckay.com, Val d’Isere, France

Martin is one of the worlds most qualified ski coaches based in Val d’Isere.

Holder of the prestigious French equivalence, BEES 1er degre ski alpin, Martin is well positioned to take your skiing level far beyond just any ski school!

As a former pro alpine ski racer and mogul freestyle skier, Martins aim is to share his passion for great safe skiing with you!

Thanks for those tips Martin, I’m sure they’ll prove to be invaluable to many skiers.  You can find out more about Martin and his skiing courses over on his website or by calling him direct on 00447710237094, you can also follow Martin on Twitter. 

Tagged avalanche awareness, blog, off piste safety tips, safe skiing, skiing tips, Skimckay, Skipad, Val d'Isere