Every ski resort issues daily avalanche risk bulletins using a five-point scale from low to very high risk to indicate the likelihood of avalanches. Skiers and snowboarders venturing off-piste should check the bulletin and understand the risk level, especially for levels 3 and above, as there is always some risk when snow has accumulated on slopes.

1. Avalanche Risk Scale (French Alps) Every modern ski resort in the Alps (and elsewhere) will issue notices (bulletins) indicating the level of Avalanche Risk for each day. These risk levels are generally quoted from a five-point scale of increasing risk (of avalanche). If you plan to ski or snowboard off-piste it is essential that you understand the Avalanche Risk Level for each local area and plan your skiing accordingly, and check the bulletin before venturing out, particularly if skiing ‘off piste’. Note that there is no ZERO on the scale, as there is always SOME risk of avalanche if there is lying snow.

2. Level 1 : LOW RISK

3. Level 2 : MODERATE

4. Level 3 : CONSIDERABLE

5. Level 4 : HIGH

6. Level 5 : VERY HIGH (EXTREME)

7. This resource produced for a joint SfE / Geographical Association Conference to be held in London on the 5 th of February 2009