Growing enthusiasm about the experience of off-trail skiing in open country, going beyond the secured ski runs has become a trend in alpine winter sports. Whether off pist skiing within ski regions, daytime ski outings or cross-country skiing from one chateau to the next over a period of several days, people are drawn to the untouched powder snow, the beauty of the winter mountain world or simply the quiet of nature, making this winter sport especially attractive for increasing numbers of people. Even those without cross-country experience are leaving the crowded ski runs and seeking the challenge and experience of nature in cross-country skiing. However, precisely this freedom and this open access must be accepted as a challenge by the individual because in unsecured terrain, the skier is confronted directly with the consequences of his behavior.

One of the greatest risks for skiers and snowboarders is the sudden avalanche, the classical slab. The top priority in conjunction with avalanches is therefore prevention. The goal must be not to get caught up and carried along by a slab at all. In addition to dealing with the material of snow and the situations pertaining to the development of avalanches, so-called action strategies (Stop or Go, Snowcard etc.) are being used in modern risk management. These strategies should make it possible for the athlete to maximize risk reduction with the least possible avoidance of beautiful powder slopes.

On the basis of various checks, the winter athlete should make some concrete decisions before and during his tour and/or departure: Can I do the tour at all? Is it adapted to the situation? Can I handle the slope? The athlete is instructed to be especially aware of this from the standpoint of possible hazard signs and to perceive and evaluate everything critically.
Another building block combines actions that must be taken regardless of the prevailing (avalanche) situation. These standard measures include, for example, emergency equipment, checking on the avalanche rescue beacon, relief distances or going alone beyond certain slope inclinations.
The avalanche status report is an important basis of all strategic models. Obtaining this report, e.g., via the Internet or by telephone, is one of the most important prerequisites for responsible planning and implementation of a cross-country tour. If you get into an acute avalanche situation despite all the precaution measures you have taken, then the first rule is: trigger the ABS avalanche airbag immediately and without hesitation. The inflated airbags are side-mounted on your backpack, so you can still try possible flight or avoidance maneuvers.