By Léonard Pierrel
Originally from a Vosges station, Léonard moved to Chamonix several years ago. A sports equipment engineer, he now specializes in eco-design and spends his free time exploring the Chamonix mountains. Passionate about mountains and climbing, he also plans to obtain the DEJEPS climbing certification to get even closer to the social and educational aspects of his activities.
A nature lover, Léonard is also an athlete within the Riders Alliance POW (Protect Our Winters), an association committed to raising awareness among young people about the impacts of climate change in the mountains.
A member of the Cairn Team for several years, Léonard takes advantage of each of his outings to test equipment and share his product feedback. His goal: to help the brand evolve its offerings based on the needs of practitioners. What he loves most: sharing his adventures in photos and videos.
PREPARING A TYPICAL DAY OF SKI TOURING
Properly preparing for a ski touring outing is essential to fully enjoy the mountains while staying safe. Léonard shares his essential tips and resources:
1. Check the Avalanche Risk Bulletin (BRA)
The BRA details avalanche risks based on snowfall, previous layers, slope orientation, altitude, and wind. There is a specific bulletin for each massif: an essential step before any outing.
2. Check the local weather
For Chamonix and its surroundings, Météo Chamonix is an excellent reference: temperatures, wind, possible precipitation... A key data point to anticipate and adapt your itinerary.
3. Rely on specialized sites
Platforms like Camptocamp.org and Skitour.fr are full of information shared by the community: itineraries, real-time conditions, feedback...
Another valuable resource: FatMap, an interactive 3D map that allows you to visualize routes, measure slopes, observe orientations, and even overlay IGN maps.
4. Follow feedback via social networks
Today, social networks effectively complement traditional bulletins. Thanks to photos and "live" stories, you can cross-reference snow conditions with altitude and exposure, which helps identify the most frequented and less-known outings.
5. Contact the Chamoniarde
The Chamoniarde is an association dedicated to mountain safety. It offers training, events, and publishes daily conditions at altitude. On their site, you will find volunteer outings with photos and detailed descriptions. Don't hesitate to call them: they are happy to answer questions and provide personalized advice.
6. Choose and prepare your equipment
Depending on the planned itinerary, choosing the right equipment is crucial. Remember to prepare in advance:
- Technical equipment: crampons, knives, ropes, harness, etc.
- Safety equipment: helmet, gloves, sun protection, avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, etc.
Checking your bag thoroughly before leaving helps avoid unpleasant surprises.
7. Assess the conditions on the ground
Even with the best preparation, nothing replaces observation. Throughout your outing, assess the actual conditions. When in doubt, knowing how to turn back is also knowing how to enjoy the mountain safely.
