Zavarovalnica Triglav dd : Every year sees more and more serious accidents on Slovenian ski slopes

As they wind their way down the steep snowy slopes, skiers frequently forget the ten golden rules that FIS say should be respected when indulging in this favourite winter pastime. Every skier should take care not to put others in danger, to ski safely and in line with their knowledge and skills, and to never ski while under the influence of alcohol.

Helmets compulsory for children

'For safe skiing, it is important for every individual to be properly prepared, to start their run in good physical condition, and to use skiing and protective equipment that is in tiptop condition. A helmet is compulsory for children under 14, and highly recommended for everyone else. On-piste skiers should abide by the instructions and recommendations of the ski resort operator and supervisors. Skiers need the same type of knowledge and equipment as other winter mountain visitors if they venture onto fresh off-piste snow,' explained Janez Rozman, president of Bohinj Mountain Rescue Service, at the rescue exercise on Vogel.

Rescue operations from chairlifts and cable cars have become a constant feature of the exercises taking place on Vogel in recent years, for, as everywhere else, safety is paramount at Triglav National Park's biggest ski resort. Rescue exercises from every type of cableway structure have become a compulsory part of annual training at Vogel ski centre. Rescue exercises are conducted in accordance with legislation and with the protection and rescue plan that every ski resort operator is obliged to draw up. At every annual exercise, all those participating try to build on their knowledge and skills to the best of their ability, together with external providers. This means that we are able to ensure safety on installations and ski slopes for all visitors,' explained Boštjan Klinar, executive director of Žičnice Vogel Bohinj.

64 operations this year already

As a long-term member of the Bohinj Mountain Rescue Service, which has already been involved in 64 operations this year, points out, skiers on organised, high-mountain slopes are often attracted by the ski trails favoured by ski tourers and freeskiers. Some set off for unfamiliar terrain away from the pistes without the proper knowledge and equipment. 'If the snow conditions are unstable, accidents can happen or avalanches triggered,' warned the experienced rescuer.

In the current conditions in particular, with a lot of fresh snow, experienced mountaineers advise against visiting Alpine areas and also recommend that bare highland slopes be avoided. It is better to make for the mountains when the snow cover has stabilised. 'When taking a winter tour, don't go alone. Instead, make sure you're accompanied by experienced mountaineers or mountain guides. And don't forget your three-piece avalanche kit: avalanche probe, boring tool and shovel. These can save your life in an emergency. Of course, crampons and an ice axe are also compulsory winter equipment. The most important rule is to plan a tour properly and to adapt it to your abilities, as the days are short and the Alpine lodges are generally closed,' says Janez Rozman.

New vehicle makes for a swifter emergency response

Zavarovalnica Triglav jumped at the chance to help the mountain rescuers of Bohinj to reach injured climbers and skiers more quickly and effectively as part of For A Better Tomorrow, its traditional prevention campaign. For the fourth year running, Slovenia's largest insurer has redirected a portion of funds to support a range of prevention projects around the country, thereby fulfilling its mission of social responsibility and the creation of a safer future in practice. Among the more than 20 projects supported this year is the purchase of an all-terrain vehicle for the Bohinj mountain rescuers' emergency operations. It will speed up their response and also make it easier for them to get to areas that are usually difficult to reach, particularly in the winter.

'Zavarovalnica Triglav are engaged in a large number of activities as part of continuous efforts to secure a safer future and a better tomorrow for all generations. This time the Kranj office decided to help two associations whose selfless work helps people in difficulty and attends to the safety and well being of hikers and other mountain visitors,' explained Janka Planinc, director of the Kranj regional office of Zavarovalnica Triglav. The office has also provided funds to the Radovljica Alpine Association as part of this year's New Year prevention campaign.It was keen to make mountain visits safer and improve the chances of hikers surviving a heart attack, so decided to help Roblekov Dom on Begunjščica, a mountain lodge popular with hikers, by fitting a defibrillator. At the Valvasorjev Dom lodge below Stol, it has also supported the reconstruction of the chimney, which caught fire last year.

Over the last three years, Zavarovalnica Triglav have supported more than 70 prevention projects throughout the country as part of the campaign.