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Avalanche risk high as half-term begins

Many of Sweden's schoolchildren head off to the hills for half term ski holidays this week. The risk of avalanches at many of the resorts is reported to be high.

Published: 24 February 2008 11:55 CET

This week is the turn of schoolchildren in the Stockholm region to head to the ski resorts in the north of the country. The Swedish Ski Lift Operators Association (SLAO) has issued warnings for avalanches in many of the resorts.

SLAO warns that the highest risk is in Björkliden, with a level four (of five) warning. This hazard level means that avalanches can be triggered both spontaneously and with low levels of additional stress. Skiers and snowboarders are warned to get away from steep slopes and the areas underneath them.

In Riksgränsen, Abisko, Åre, Ramundberget and Tänndalen the risk of avalanche is classified as significant with a level three hazard warning.

In all other ski areas SLAO reports that avalanche risks are moderate or low.