Technological developments, in the new breed of 'freeride' skis, offer better float in deep snow and enhance the ability to turn. This means that skiers are going off-piste earlier than before; typically after four to five weeks.

In previous years, it would be 20 weeks before a skier ventured off-piste for the first time. And in this time they would have built up respect for the mountain environment and knowledge about its hazards.

Add to this the increasing popularity of snowboarding and you start to see that there's a need for some basic safety guidelines (and what kit to use).

What follows is straightforward common sense advice based on expert knowledge from several qualified UIAGM Mountain Guides, which the Ski Club of Great Britain uses to train its own representatives.

General Off-Piste Guidelines
When venturing off-piste always use (and know how to use) avalanche transceivers (see equipment section for details).

Always check the weather and snow conditions paying particular attention to the risk of avalanche - the Avalanche Risk level should be posted in the Tourist Office and is nearly always available from the pisteurs (ski patrol) office.

If the avalanche warning lights (or flags) are flashing, resist the temptation and ski to the open and marked pistes.

Always "check-out" and "check-in" when skiing off-piste; i.e. let somebody know where you are going, how many are in the group, and when you are likely to return.

Never assume that ski-tracks in the snow mean the slope you are about to ski is safe. Always approach each run with caution.

Never ski off-piste on your own. A small group of 4 or 5 is best.

Always hire a fully qualified UIAGM Mountain Guide when skiing way off-piste or in glacial terrain.

Avalanches
Signs around the ski area will warn you when avalanche danger is present and which pistes are closed:

Information Panels - red closed signs or red signal lights

On the slopes - Prohibition signs, and in addition with marker ropes and flags

Even when there is no warning of avalanches there could be local snow slides. Local danger spots will be marked with signs and if necessary, closed with flags and with poles.

Unless you know an area well, only ski/board off-piste with a guide (in the USA, skiing/boarding "out of bounds" without a guide can lead to confiscation of your liftpass).

If in doubt never ski away from the marked runs

Kit required for off-piste skiing
Avalanche Transceiver - a radio device with two modes. It transmits when skiing off-piste normally, and receives to pick up the signal of a buried unit. They are worn strapped to the body. If one or more of the party are buried by an avalanche, the remaining skiers can use their units on receive mode to locate the missing skier.

Collapsible shovel - a two-part lightweight shovel that will permit large scale snow movement ensuring the quick recovery of a buried skier.

Powder leashes - a two metre tracer which will help you locate your skis if you fall and lose them.

First aid kit - to enable quick and effective treatment of any injuries - essential.

Rucksack - essential for carrying shovel, food, first aid kit and space blanket (to keep injured skier warm).

Survival bag - an essential every skier should carry. It can make the difference between life and death if an overnight stay on the snow is necessary before rescue.

And finally a whistle - to attract attention from other skiers and rescue services.