you can find tons of information here http://www.slf.ch/english_EN it also contains news on Avalanche risk http://www.slf.ch/lawineninfo/index_EN

My guess is that it really depends where exactly you are ...it doesn't matter if it is a "small little hikes" what is more important is what day it is, inclination, how much new snow there is, wind? etc.

I guess some sort of experience (know-how how to assess the situation) + maybe an LVS is never out of place if one is off-piste.

The SAC and for example private companies such as www.bergpunkt.ch offer courses.

I hope this helps