In the first phase, you always begin with a regional assessment of the avalanche risk. This regional filter means preparing at home, i.e. tour planning. 

 In addition to the weather, the avalanche bulletin plays a key role in tour planning. The most relevant parts of the avalanche bulletin information pyramid are the top three sections: danger level, avalanche problem and avalanche-prone locations. Basically, the danger level and the avalanche problems are key to selecting an area. The appropriate tour in this area is then chosen based on the danger level, avalanche problems and avalanche-prone locations. 

•  Gather avalanche bulletins, weather reports and expert advice (e.g. from local mountain guides and innkeepers). 

In the first phase, you always begin with a regional assessment of the avalanche risk. This regional filter means preparing at home, i.e. tour planning. 

In modern selection strategies such as the 30° method, the slope angle is then observed to identify “cruxes”. Avalanche problems are then ascribed to the cruxes. Information about the terrain on the planned tour can be found in topographical maps and relevant guidebooks.  

• Determine terrain features, slope steepness and slope aspects that are relevant to the ascent using a topo with a scale of 1:25,000. 

In the first phase, you always begin with a regional assessment of the avalanche risk. This regional filter means preparing at home, i.e. tour planning.  

The weather report and estimated ability of the group must also be taken into account when planning a tour. Group size, training level, experience, fitness and psychological stress should all be as homogenous as possible.  

• Group: Adapt the planned tour to the group or the other way around: If group members are weaker, either choose an alternative route for everyone from the beginning or plan in possible deviations  

The filter is narrowed in the mountains. Here, assessments are made under the motto “as far as the eye can see”. Having arrived in the mountains, the first thing to do is carry out an avalanche transceiver check. When on the go, it is important to constantly make your own observations regarding the three points and continuously reevaluate your plan. This provides a better picture of the avalanche situation. If the assessments remain positive, the tour can be continued. 

Here, the filter applies to the following observations about avalanche factors:  

• Is the information gathered during tour planning about snow conditions, critical new snow depth, visibility, cloud cover, wind strength and temperature really correct here at the starting point? Are there any signs of danger (e.g. drifting snow) or even warning signs (fresh avalanches, whumpf sounds)? Do local conditions match the avalanche bulletin?

The filter is narrowed in the mountains. Here, assessments are made under the motto “as far as the eye can see”. Having arrived in the mountains, the first thing to do is carry out an avalanche transceiver check. When on the go, it is important to constantly make your own observations regarding the three points and continuously reevaluate your plan. This provides a better picture of the avalanche situation. If the assessments remain positive, the tour can be continued. 

Here, the filter applies to the following observations about avalanche factors:  

• Does my plan match the actual facts (terrain features, slope aspect and steepness)? Are there other ascent tracks on the mountain? Is there an alternative tour better suited to the conditions? 

The filter is narrowed in the mountains. Here, assessments are made under the motto “as far as the eye can see”. Having arrived in the mountains, the first thing to do is carry out an avalanche transceiver check. When on the go, it is important to constantly make your own observations regarding the three points and continuously reevaluate your plan. This provides a better picture of the avalanche situation. If the assessments remain positive, the tour can be continued. 

Here, the filter applies to the following observations about avalanche factors:  

• Have equipment and avalanche transceiver checks been carried out before beginning the tour? Regularly check the mood and physical condition of the group members. Observe other groups while always keeping an eye on your own schedule for the tour. 

When applying the zonal filter, the individual slope or crux(es) are assessed and a final decision is made about whether and, if necessary, how to tackle the slope. Here, the immediate environment is included in the evaluation and decisions are made about whether to continue, turn back or take an alternative route. This is where good preparation and your own observations from throughout the day pay off – they form the basis for the assessment and decision regarding the individual slope. If all of the important factors point to turning back and your gut feeling is urging you to do the same, you should turn back or take an alternative route. 

On individual slopes, the following questions about the conditions, terrain and people are important:   

• Have any warning signs been observed? 
• Are there any fresh tracks?  
• What is the avalanche problem and how serious is it? Are there, for example, any fresh snowdrifts? What is/was the sun exposure like? Where could a dangerous snow slab be triggered? 

When applying the zonal filter, the individual slope or crux(es) are assessed and a final decision is made about whether and, if necessary, how to tackle the slope. Here, the immediate environment is included in the evaluation and decisions are made about whether to continue, turn back or take an alternative route. This is where good preparation and your own observations from throughout the day pay off – they form the basis for the assessment and decision regarding the individual slope. If all of the important factors point to turning back and your gut feeling is urging you to do the same, you should turn back or take an alternative route. 

On individual slopes, the following questions about the conditions, terrain and people are important:   

• What is the actual steepness of the individual slope?  
• Are there any terrain traps and what burial depth can I expect? 
• Where would I be propelled down to by an avalanche and how much snow can I expect? 

When applying the zonal filter, the individual slope or crux(es) are assessed and a final decision is made about whether and, if necessary, how to tackle the slope. Here, the immediate environment is included in the evaluation and decisions are made about whether to continue, turn back or take an alternative route. This is where good preparation and your own observations from throughout the day pay off – they form the basis for the assessment and decision regarding the individual slope. If all of the important factors point to turning back and your gut feeling is urging you to do the same, you should turn back or take an alternative route. 

On individual slopes, the following questions about the conditions, terrain and people are important:   

• What or who is above our group?  
• Can the others provide rapid aid? 
• People are the weakest link in the evaluation chain. For this reason, it is important to keep checking the tiredness levels, current ability and current physical fitness of the group members! In the event of poor visibility or dangerous terrain, you must react with tactical leadership measures such as safety distances, load reduction intervals or sticking to tracks.