The weather at the top of the mountain is very different from the weather at the bottom of the mountain. Weather conditions can change and vary drastically throughout the day. So it is very important to be well informed of what to expect on your trip!

To prepare yourself, I have have listed some potential hazards you should be aware of.

Temperature

(Photo from welove2ski, http://welove2ski.com/ski-base-layers, March 15 2019)  

Cold Temperatures 

During the winter months, temperatures up in the mountain can go well below freezing. Along with wind chill, it can make temperatures feel much colder than it actually is. If you don't wear the appropriate layers, you can risk the possibility of frostbite or hypothermia!

A general rule of thumb is that if the temperatures are below -15°C at your skiing location, it would be a good idea to call off your trip.  

Warm Temperatures 

During warm temperatures (generally anything above 5°C), you should probably consider wearing fewer layers and thinner layers. Also be aware that snow may being to melt at these temperatures which would further affect skiing conditions. 

Regularly applying sunscreen and staying hydrated is essential, and will prevent sunburns, hyperthermia and heatstroke. 

Visibility

(Photo from Shutterstock, https://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-18002932-aerial-shot-snowy-mountain-landscape-seen-through, March 15 2018) 

Precipitation 

Heavy snowfall can decrease your visibility – your visibility can be reduces to tens of meters or less while skiing. This is especially a hazard when going backcountry skiing. If you are unable to see where you are going you may get lost or accidentally ski off a cliff!

Snow can get picked up off the ground if winds exceed 14 km/h. This may further reduce your visibility to only a few meters. Under these conditions, it is wise to wear goggles to protect your eyes and help you see where you are going!

Fog 

At high elevations, you may find yourself skiing inside a cloud. This can severely limit your visibility to the point where you may be stuck in a whiteout. While in a whiteout, everything around you would be white and your visibility would only be limited to the ground at your feet.

It is important to check visibility conditions before heading out to ski!

Avalanche Hazards

(Photo From Mountain Academy, http://mountainacademy.salomon.com/en/demo/46/wet-slab-avalanche, March 15 2019)

Loose Snow 

Loose-snow avalanches occur when snow at or near the surface layer is not well-bonded together. This type of avalanche starts at a single point and gradually fans out into a "V" shape as it descends downhill. Loose-snow avalanches may knock a person off their feet and sweep them downhill along with the snow.

Slabs 

Slab avalanches are considered to be more dangerous than loose-snow avalanches. They are caused by failure in snow layer beneath the surface and fracturing of the cohesive layer(s) above it. This type of avalanche can knock you off your feet, travel long distances, and bury you in the snow.