During the Prologue or Race, the Athlete must fly their paraglider solo, hike, and carry the Mandatory Equipment (see section “Equipment”) without any form of physical assistance at any time. Any other transportation assistance, including any kind of motorized flying vehicles, from any third parties is strictly prohibited.
Snowshoes are allowed for walking over snow. Skis are forbidden. It´s also forbidden to use modified snowshoes, which allow any kind of downhill-sliding. Snow covered terrain, where the use of snowshoes is required, has to be judged properly regarding the risk of avalanches. Entering any kind of snow covered areas with the risk of avalanches requires athletes to be accompanied by an UIAGM Mountain Guide and the following additional mandatory equipment: Avalanche transceiver, avalanche shovel, avalanche probe, and proper mountaineering boots.
Besides avalanche danger, the danger of sliding, which can cause injury or death, is real. It is therefore highly recommended to use mountaineering boots, crampons and ice axe in steep snow! If an athlete enters a potentially dangerous high alpine situation, the safety director must be informed by the athlete or supporter of the plan, route, equipment and status. If the athlete or supporter can not assure the safety director of the safety of the athlete, then the race organisation will initiate the rescue of the athlete, which will result in the imidiate disqualification of the athlete from the race!
Athletes are obliged to check the potential risk of avalanche and slide danger before they enter snow covered areas as a responsibility to themselfs. It is highly recommend to hire an UIAGM mountain guide in dangerous high alpine terrain beyond areas of avalanche danger!