In partnership with this working group, the Swiss ski resort of Verbier<\/a> has agreed to act as a test resort for this benchmark programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While fatalities on the roads in Valais has decreased significantly over the past few decades (from 117 deaths in 1970 to just 10 in 2020), that fall has not been seen in relation to avalanches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Partly this is because the European five-level avalanche danger scale is not always understood and appreciated by skiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps surprisingly, it\u2019s \u2018Level 3\u2019, which is the most critical. Studies have shown that 65% of fatal accidents occur at this level of avalanche danger, perhaps because it\u2019s perceived as being in the \u2018middle\u2019 of the scale. In reality, it is the maximum level for non-experienced skiers or those who are not accompanied by a mountain guide when tackling the off-piste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The new plan will be deployed in Verbier in three specific ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n New Prevention Broadcasts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Messages relating to Levels 3 and 4, together with additional avalanche forecasts, will be \u00a0broadcast across social networks, using the hashtag #freeridesafer<\/p>\n\n\n\n Improved Signage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n More prevention messages \u2013 again relating to Levels 3 and 4 \u2013 will be displayed on screens and posters, as well as available as flyers, at ski lift stations and around the resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New website<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nLevel 3 is most dangerous<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.chaletline.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/image.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNew ideas being trialled in Verbier<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n