Pursuant to Article 26 of Legislative Decree No. 40 of February 28, 2021 (Legislative Decree 40/2021) and Aosta Valley Regional Law No. 27/2004, anyone engaging in ski mountaineering, snowboard mountaineering, or snowshoeing on snow-covered terrain off-piste, where there is a risk of avalanches, must have a self-rescue kit consisting of:
- ARTVA (Avalanche Victim Locator): a digital electronic device with three antennas, worn under the jacket in direct contact with the body and kept on at all times in transmission mode;
- Avalanche shovel: with a rigid handle and a metal blade (plastic shovels are not approved for use in compacted avalanche snow);
- Avalanche probe: a graduated, collapsible metal rod with a minimum length of 240 centimeters.
This regulation is binding on anyone who leaves the groomed slopes or designated trails. Law enforcement and the Forest Service inspect equipment and issue fines to violators. Before every excursion, you must consult the Snow and Avalanche Bulletin issued by the Operational Center of the Autonomous Region of Valle d’Aosta, assessing the danger level, wind conditions, and rising temperatures. For ski mountaineering routes in the area (40 trails surveyed as part of the cross-border project), the Ski Alp Gran San Bernardo mobile app is available.
For more information on winter sports activities, visit the Winter in the Snow page.
