Off-Piste skiing has led to an increased number of serious accidents, usually due to lack of experience combined with daring and a desire to achieve the ultimate, extreme experience. Too often this makes for a lethal recipe.

Skiers and snowboarders often use cell phones as their "security partners". With a cell phone in their pockets they feel protected when attempting the more daring unmarked runs. The belief that "we can just call the rescue helicopter" has also been the answer of mountain climbers and hikers to questions about the increasing amount of risks they are taking. An increasing amount of rescue operations are partly a result of lack of knowledge about the dangers of the mountain.

According to Scandinavian insurance companies, the number of serious accidents has increased by up to 20%in 1998 and 1999. Of the 7000 accidents in total reported to the health insurance authorities, 12-14% of them included such injuries as torn ligaments, broken arms, legs, backs or fractured skulls and serious concussion. More than 10% of the injured were transported by special rescue transport.

Many of these injuries could be avoided with a little extra thought and a lot less daring. It is our philosophy that knowledge of the mountains combined along with good and accurate advice can help reduce the number of accidents, and ensure that you continue to enjoy skiing.