Have a fun but responsible experience in the snow

The most qualified people to give you information, advice and the latest updates are:

• Managers of the refuges in the area you’re thinking of visiting
• Mountain and mid-mountain guides
• ‘Club Alpino Italiano’ (CAI)
• ‘Soccorso Alpino Dolomiti Bellunesi’ mountain rescue

Winter excursions pose more difficulties and hidden dangers than they do in summer, for example. We strongly recommend you take a winter hiking or ski mountaineering course to learn the basics.
Consider hiring a mountain guide.

Whatever snow activity you are planning to do (ski mountaineering, snowshoeing, snowboarding, freeriding or just walking), always check the ARPAV avalanche bulletin. And check the weather forecast too, as snow storms can often arrive without warning in winter.
Consult the latest snow and weather forecasts and choose the most suitable itinerary for your skill level and physical fitness. If you don’t understand the reports, get an expert to help you. 
If the forecast indicates a level 2 or 3 avalanche risk, exercise caution. If the risk is level 4 or 5, do not set out.
It is important to read all the information on the forecast, taking into consideration altitude, the exposure and angle of the slopes and snowpack, and not just the European avalanche danger scale (1 – Low; 2 – Moderate; 3 – Considerable; 4 – High; 5 – Very high).

As a general rule, ski slopes are colour coded, with each colour indicating the level of difficulty. The standard classification is as follows:

1. Blue: For beginners. These gentle slopes have minimal incline and are ideal for anyone just starting out.
2. Red: Intermediate / advanced slopes. These slopes are more difficult, they have greater gradients and should only be attempted when you have mastered the main techniques.
3. Black: For expert skiers. These are the hardest slopes, with steep gradients and challenging terrain. They are for experienced, expert skiers. 

Before heading down a slope, make sure it’s not too difficult for you and, if you’re a beginner, hire a ski instructor.

• Anyone who causes an avalanche is liable for prosecution.
• It’s important to be familiar with slope etiquette and signage.
• Always behave responsibly, so you’re not a danger to yourself or others.
• Ask the ski lift operators about the conditions of the slopes and off-piste.
• Slow down when conditions are poor and especially when it’s misty, foggy and visibility is low.
• Observe all warning and prohibition signs along the run: never breach the barriers along the side of the slope, the terrain might be steep and dangerous.
• Leave plenty of space between you and skier ahead of you to prevent collisions or being a nuisance and always yield to any equipment on the slope.
• Before overtaking another skier, make sure you’ve got enough space to do so and that you can see what you’re doing.
• Slow down when merging with other slopes.
• The only place you’re allowed to stop on a run is at the side.

Always take a shovel and probe with you and wear an avalanche transceiver. Before you set out, check you know how to use all your equipment. Pack an emergency space blanket.     
By law, all skiers under the age of 18 must wear an approved helmet on the slopes. It is, however, recommended for everyone. 

Whether you’re skiing on or off piste, always wear a helmet and sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes against UV rays: the wind, snow, cold, sun and glare of the snow can be a real nuisance at times.

In the winter, you need to keep your head, hands and feet warm. So wear a hat, a neckwarmer, a jacket with a hood, technical gloves with undergloves underneath if you want, technical or woollen socks. 
Dressing in layers is the best strategy in winter. Your trousers must be waterproof and ideally wide at the bottom to cover your ski boots and stop snow getting in. To protect the bottom half of your legs, you can wear gaiters over your ski boots. You always want to be seen, so wear bright colours and not white.

Your backpack essentials are: energy-rich food, a thermos flask with a hot drink, a complete change of clothes because you are bound to get wet in the snow, a wind/waterproof jacket, tights, down jacket, hat, gloves, map, sunscreen, sunglasses, basic first aid kit and an emergency space blanket. It’s a good idea to carry a headlamp or a torch at all times. Keep your backpack as light as possible; pack the heaviest items at the bottom and if you don’t need it, don’t bring it.

Setting out early in the morning means you have more time to deal with unexpected events or delays. You don’t want to be rushed on your hike, so stop for regular rests, especially when descending, because you’re more tired so are more likely to make mistakes.

The main route markers are panels at the start of the trail and at major crossroads. They indicate

1. the final destination of the trail
2. intermediate stages
3. the predicted time to reach the destination and the number of the path

There are also signs indicating themed paths, equipped trails and via ferratas and signs telling you not to stray off the path. Always doublecheck your route on your topographic map, which you should have with you. 

Secondary markings are painted on tree trunks or stones and can be white-red or red-white-red. They show which way the path goes.

First and foremost, always stay on the path. 
CAI paths are indicated by numbers and markings in the familiar white and red colours. Don’t get misled by other markings on trees, which may serve to indicate forest boundaries or trees scheduled to be felled.
Don’t take shortcuts because as well as taking you away from the main path, you could find yourself on uneven or unstable ground. 
On rocky stretches at high altitude, you may come across cairns, small piles of stones which show the way to go; help them last longer by adding a stone.

Remember that your smartphone battery will eventually die and that GPS signals in the mountains are not always reliable. You should always carry a power bank and a topographic map. 

• Always tell someone where you are going
• Never leave anyone on their own
• The difficulty level of your hike must be geared to the “weakest” member of your party
• Regularly check how the other members of your party are and stop for a rest if you need to
• Always stay together if you get into difficulty
• Acknowledge other hikers with a friendly ‘hello’
• Yield the trail to faster walkers and, if you stop for a rest, always keep to one side
• Respect other hikers and keep your voice low