When the mountain reminds us that it remains the strongest force, ski resorts don’t improvise.
They activate a PIDA.
But what exactly is a PIDA, what is it used for, and why are certain areas temporarily closed to the public?
We explain everything, simply.
The PIDA has a clear objective: to secure the mountain.
In practical terms, it makes it possible to:
The PIDA has a simple but essential goal: keeping the mountain safe. By deliberately triggering avalanches under controlled conditions, it reduces risks for skiers, pedestrians, and everyone present in the ski area.
This approach also aims to protect slopes, lift infrastructure, and buildings by anticipating snowpack instability. After significant snowfall, strong winds, or a thaw, the snowpack can become unpredictable. The PIDA allows teams to intervene at the right moment, before the situation becomes dangerous.
Thanks to these operations, the ski area can be opened—or reopened—under the best possible safety conditions, both for the public and for on-site teams.
In short, in the mountains as elsewhere, it’s better to trigger an avalanche at the right time than to be surprised by one in the wrong place.
This is the most traditional method… And one of the most precise. It is carried out by specially trained ski patrollers–blasters, who operate on foot, on skis, or by snowmobile to place explosive charges at strategic points within the snowpack.
This technique allows for highly targeted work, as close as possible to high-risk areas. It is used when weather conditions, visibility, and terrain accessibility allow it.
Some slopes are too steep, too exposed, or too dangerous for direct human intervention. This is where permanent systems come into play.
Among the most commonly used:
These systems allow for fast, repeatable, and safe interventions, even in poor weather conditions or outside ski area opening hours.
In certain specific cases, a PIDA may also include helicopter-assisted triggering.
This method involves dropping explosive charges from a helicopter, or detonating them remotely above very large or inaccessible areas.
Helicopter triggering is used:
This technique is strictly regulated, dependent on weather conditions, and authorized by the relevant authorities.
There is no single way to carry out a PIDA, but rather a combination of solutions adapted to each situation.
The objective always remains the same: anticipate avalanche risk to protect people, infrastructure, and the ski area.
A PIDA is never launched at random. It may be activated:
Each operation is decided by qualified professionals, in close connection with weather and snow conditions.
⚠️ During a PIDA, certain rules are non-negotiable—and for good reason.
It is strictly forbidden to:
These restrictions are temporary but essential. They ensure everyone’s safety, including that of the teams working in the field.
Because information is just as important as action, we communicate in real time.
PIDA operations and the affected areas are announced on our official WhatsApp channel.
A simple habit to stay informed before putting on your skis.
The PIDA is an essential tool for enjoying the mountains safely in winter.
Mostly invisible, it nevertheless plays a key role in ensuring everyone can enjoy the ski area without unpleasant surprises.
On this page, you will find the official weather forecast and real-time snow conditions in Avoriaz.
Avoriaz 1800 is located in the heart of Portes du Soleil, one of the largest cross-border ski areas in the world, where 12 French and Swiss resorts are interconnected.
Find here the real-time schedules of the ski lifts and access to the slopes, as well as the opening dates of the Avoriaz ski area and the Portes du Soleil.
In winter, Avoriaz’s webcams take you right to the heart of the snowy ski area. From Le Fornet, Arare, Les Lindarets, or Grand Conche, watch live updates of the slope conditions, weather, and snow coverage. Plan your ski days with ease and make the most of your mountain experience!
