The mountains

• Respecting the mountains
• Elementary Rules

Elementary Rules

The mountains are a natural setting with numerous attractive aspects, both in summer and winter. However, it is important to know the risks inherent in practising mountain activities: bad weather, fog, wind, cold, the sun ... All of these parameters must be taken into account all year round.

nowfalls present an additional major danger: the accumulation of snow on the slopes, often associated with other factors (wind, heat, the degree of exposure and gradient of the slope ...), constitutes a real risk of avalanches. There is a European scale for avalanche risks, graded from 1 to 5 (5 being the maximum level of risk).

In addition, each activity has its own dangers, which are just as closely linked to the setting in which it is practised as to the equipment used. This equipment (shoes, snowshoes, skis, head-mounted lights, etc ...) must be checked before each trip.

Weather www.meteofrance.com Tel : 3250

In case of accident European emergency number : 112 Since a fixed : 04 / n°dept / 22 / 22 / 22

A few safety rules to follow in the mountains

• Set off with the right equipment.
  Walking shoes, warm and waterproof clothing (in case the weather changes), hat, sunglasses, sun cream, water, energy-giving foods in case of fatigue, survival blanket.

• Check the weather forecast.
  The weather changes quickly in the mountains and a clear sky can rapidly transform into a storm. Don't hesitate to turn back.
  N° Météo (par département) : 08 92 68 02 + n° dpt (ex. : Isère = 38)
  N° Météo (pour la France et l'étranger) : 32 50
  N° Météo neige : 08 92 68 10 20

• Don't set off on your own.
  In the event of a problem, a walking companion can be very useful.

• Always inform someone about your chosen route ... as well as the approximate time you will be returning. This will provide a benchmark if the rescue services have to be alerted.

• Do not take a route you are not sure about.
  It is important to take careful account of the way-markers and not to attempt any so-called shortcuts.

• When alerting the rescue services, specify the following :

  • the area and precise location (altitude ...)
  • the nature of the accident
  • the number of victims and how serious the injuries appear to be
  • the particular circumstances (victims trapped, cave-in ...)
  • if the victim can answer questions
  • if he or she can move the whole body
  • if he or she has a wrist pulse
  • if he or she is having difficulty breathing
  • if there is an obvious lesion
  • if the victim is growing weaker