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Determination of the spatial snow-depth distribution is important in potential avalanche-starting zones, both for avalanche prediction and for the dimensioning of permanent protection measures. Knowledge of the spatial distribution of snow is needed in order to validate snow depths computed from snowpack and snowdrift models. The inaccessibility of alpine terrain and the acute danger of avalanches complicate snow-depth measurements (e.g. when probes are used), so the possibility of measuring the snowpack using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) was tested. The results obtained were compared to those of tachymetry and manual snow probing. Laser measurements were taken using the long-range laser profile measuring system Riegl LPM-i800HA. The wavelength used by the laser was 0.9 μm (near-infrared). The accuracy was typically within 30 mm. The highest point resolution was 30 mm when measured …