Avalanche Risk high across the Alps

However, with lots of new snow, a few days of high winds and plenty more snow showing on the forecast, the chance of avalanches happening is now significantly high.

Piste security teams work hard to ensure that they make the ski area in Val Thorens safe, by setting off controlled avalanches like this one, which took place in Les Arcs a few days ago.

The risk that avalanches will happen spontaneously has increased overnight and with more snow due in the next 24-48 hours it's important to be aware of the danger.

Here are the avalanche risk ratings today (updated daily):

• Avoriaz, Morzine & Les Gets, Chamonix - 3-4 increasing
• Les Arcs & La Plagne - 4
• Meribel, Courchevel & Val Thorens -4
• Tignes & Val d'Isere - 4
• Alpe d'Huez & Les 2 Alpes - 3-4 increasing
• Switzerland 3 - Considerable

The risk level only goes up to 5, so anything at level 3 or 4 is pretty serious. You can also see this information on a resort by resort basis via our Live Lift & Piste Status. Click on the drop down list and you'll see the avalanche risk at the top.

Ski lifts and mountain security stations also provide this information, and speaking to one of the pisteurs or lift workers is a good idea, especially if you're not used to being in the mountains.

The video below shows a man skiing off piste in La Plagne just a few days ago, who had a very lucky escape, and we've had a lot more snow since then..

Read more about and understand why avalanches happen, or how you can try to avoid them. If in doubt, speak to a local mountain guide, ski school or ski instructor who are incredibly knowledgeable about mountain conditions.