If you or a companion are lost
To avoid unnecessary searches, always ski and snowboard with a companion or make arrangements to meet up with other skiers and snowboarders.
Let someone know before you go. Indicate your intended destination and route – this is especially important for cross-country skiers.
Stick to the planned arrangements. If you do not, others may become concerned and contact emergency services. This can endanger the lives of diverting emergency services away from those that need them.
If you think that a companion has become lost
Make sure they have not just returned home to their accommodation or car.
Inform the Ski Patrol as soon as you become concerned.
Give your companions name, age, etc and a full description including any details of your skiing or snowboarding activities.
What to do if you are lost
As soon as you realise that you are lost, stay where you are.
Seek shelter. In poor weather conditions, shelter behind trees or rocks and place your crossed skis or board above your location.
Make distress signals. Use anything that will attract attention, e.g., smoke, whistles, flashing a mirror or torch, or distinct waving of clothing.
Identify your last confirmed position and estimate your present location.
Believe your compass. It is more likely to be right than your unaided sense of direction.
Decide if you will proceed or if you will camp or bivouac.
If your party is still strong and you can set a course which must bring you to a known position in a reasonable time, then you could proceed.
If any party member is fatigued or you are not sure of your ability to navigate to known country, then camp or bivouac and await assistance.
Emergencies
Emergencies are often the result of poor planning and/or foolhardy behaviour. If you do find yourself in difficulties, stop and think. Knowledge of your own capabilities is an important safety factor. Individual skills and fitness levels vary greatly. What is quite safe for one person to attempt may be foolish for someone else. Know your capabilities and keep well within them at all times.
Helping the search party
It is best to remain in one place. As aircraft and helicopters are now frequently used in searches, think of how you can best help them to see you.
The best place for your survival camp is on the edge of a clearing where you can easily move out from the shelter to attract attention. A smoky fire is a good location marker. Also, display brightly coloured clothing and tents. Wait for rescue. If you have made meeting arrangements with others, as you should, the Ski Patrol and other rescuers will know where to look and rescue will be close at hand.
Wait for rescue. If you have made meeting arrangements with others, as you should, the Ski Patrol and other rescuers will know where to look and rescue will be close at hand.
Helicopters may be called in to rescue you in extreme circumstances. Keep well clear of the helicopter’s landing area and await instructions from the pilot. Never approach helicopters from the rear.
If you need to make a temporary camp (Bivouac)
If you are lost and any party member is fatigued or you are not sure of your ability to navigate to known country, you will need to camp (or bivouac) and await assistance.
How to make a Bivoac
Select a site out of the wind. Use trees, logs or rocks as wind breaks.
Build the best shelter you can. Dig into the snow at the base of a tree or rocks. Use skis, poles and branches to roof the shelter before covering it with snow. Do not get wet in the process. If necessary, remove some clothing or gloves to keep them dry while building your shelter.
Make your location visible to searchers. Stand a pair of skis crossed in the snow and attach a bright object to them.
In the shelter, insulate yourself from the snow with branches, skis, poles or packs.
If you can, light a fire on a platform of small logs. Aim to stay dry and huddle together for warmth.
Wait for assistance to come to you.