New avalanche hazard rating system trialled in France

France & Andorra are two of the last remaining countries to use the yellow or yellow and black checked flag system, with ski resorts in North America already using a 5 stage coloured hazard rating (see images above).

The new rating system being tested uses 5 different colours for the different levels of hazard, from green (1) to yellow (2), orange (3), red (4) & red and black checks (5).

Testing is taking place now in Chatel, Chamonix, La Plagne, Les Menuires and Montgenevre and the results should be in by mid April. If successful, the new system will be in place across France from next winter.

It definitely gets our vote!