A statistics that includes the member countries of the International Commission for Alpine Rescue ranks Romania ninth based on the number of people dead in avalanches, according to a statement from Arges Mountain Rescue, cited by local News.ro.

Romania registered an average of 2.78 deaths by avalanche per season between 1983 and 2015.

“The statistics covers the 1983-2015 period, so it doesn’t include the avalanche at Balea Lake from April 17, 1977, when 23 people died, which would have dramatically increased the average value. Besides that terrible season, the maximum number of people dead in avalanches was nine, in two different seasons,” reads the statement.

A total of six avalanches occurred in the 2014-2015 season. 17 skiers were caught by the avalanches, and all of them survived.

According to Arges Mountain Rescue, the winters were shorter and drier in the last years, mainly due to the climate warming, therefore the danger of avalanches is "less extensive and less obvious." Moreover, the free-ride skiers are better prepared for this kind of events, most of them carrying and knowing how to use the anti-avalanche kit. Also, some skiers also have backpacks with airbag.

“However, we must know that all of these, together with consulting the bulletin on the risk of avalanches, only increase the chances, but are not solutions that ensure survival,” according to the statement.

In February last year, a Romanian was caught in an avalanche while snowboarding in the Parang Mountains. He recorded the thrilling experience on his helmet camera.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com