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Guide · GUIDE 13

Protection from avalanches & landslides

Last reviewed on 22.06.2026

Avalanches, debris flows and landslides threaten settlements and transport routes in the Alps – especially after snowfall, wind (wind-blown snow) or prolonged rain. The SLF avalanche bulletin is the central planning tool: it gives a daily five-level danger rating per region. Most fatal avalanche accidents are triggered by the victims themselves – personal responsibility in the terrain is decisive.

Current situation: check the situation dashboard to see whether any warnings are currently in effect for this hazard.

How do I plan safely in avalanche terrain?

  1. Read the SLF avalanche bulletin and understand the danger level
  2. Adapt the tour to the danger level and the conditions
  3. Carry an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, and master them
  4. In case of debris-flow/landslide danger: avoid watercourses and steep slopes
  5. Continuously reassess the weather and avalanche situation

During: in the terrain and in case of danger

  1. Strictly respect closed roads and pistes (binding, not a recommendation)
  2. Take warning signs seriously: «whumpf» sounds, cracks in the snow, recent avalanches
  3. Keep relief distances, cross steep slopes one at a time
  4. If a debris flow is imminent, leave the building upwards
  5. In an emergency, alert Rega via 1414

After: searching for buried people & returning

  1. Searching for buried people: first overview and self-protection, then transceiver search
  2. Alert 1414 (Rega) immediately; companion rescue runs in parallel
  3. Wait for local authority information before returning
  4. Watch for further releases and secondary slides

What is essential avalanche safety gear?

The emergency equipment only saves lives if you have it AND can use it – the search must be practised beforehand.

  1. Avalanche transceiver (switched on, full batteries), avalanche shovel, probe
  2. Optionally an avalanche airbag backpack
  3. First-aid kit, bivvy bag, warm spare clothing
  4. Charged phone with the Rega number 1414, possibly an emergency app
  5. Map/tour planning (e.g. White Risk) available offline

Common mistakes

  1. Going off-piste despite a high danger level
  2. Using closed pistes/roads («off-piste run»)
  3. Having a transceiver, shovel and probe, but never having practised the search
  4. Ignoring warning signs (cracks, whumpf sounds)
  5. Staying tightly grouped in avalanche terrain instead of crossing one at a time

Official sources