Christopher ChabodThe mountains are a magnificent playground, but also a demanding and sometimes unpredictable environment. Changing weather conditions, rugged terrain and altitude all call for careful preparation. Before you set off, make sure you’re properly equipped, inform yourself about the conditions and adopt the right reflexes to enjoy the mountains in complete safety!
Prepared: the effort, the cold, the altitude, the sun… Remember to warm up, pace yourself, eat and hydrate properly.
Equipped: to ski well, you first need to choose equipment suited to your technical level, height and weight. Binding adjustment and maintenance are then essential to limit the risks in the event of a fall or impact.
Ask for advice in specialist shops, and be aware that those that comply with the NF X50-007 rental standard guarantee that your equipment is suitable and that your bindings are properly adjusted.
Protected: sunglasses or a ski mask to avoid being bothered by the sun’s reflection on the snow and to protect your eyes.
To protect yourself from ultraviolet rays, wear sunglasses (SPF 4) and sun cream.
Covered: ski gloves to keep your extremities warm and protect you in the event of a fall.
Protected: a helmet that fits securely on your head!
According to a 2010 study, helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 35%, and even by 61% in children. Its effectiveness has been proven. Ask for a helmet that complies with standard NF EN 1077.
Insured: before you set off, check that you are properly insured. If not, take the necessary steps. Help isn’t free… Follow the safety rules.
04.50.27.02.62 → Resort piste rescue.
04.50.27.57.51 → Services and information on the resort’s slopes.
Alpine ski runs are classified into four categories, colour-coded according to their level of difficulty:
Green : easy
Blue : medium
Red: difficult
Black: very difficult
Beacons are placed on one side of the piste to help you find your way around. They are numbered in descending order and indicate the name of the piste you are on: for example, the number 1 on a black background means that you have reached the bottom of a very difficult black piste.
The name of the piste and the number of the beacon must be communicated to make it easier for the emergency services to intervene in the event of an accident.
Only pistes that have been declared open are controlled; outside these, you ski at your own risk.
Control your speed, watch out for other skiers and listen to mountain professionals.
The piste map shows the route of the pistes and their colour, the route of the lifts, the location of the safety and rescue posts and the mountain restaurants.
For your information, weather and avalanche bulletins are posted at the busiest points. A flag on a mast indicates the level of avalanche risk.
04.50.27.02.62 → Resort slope rescue service.
04.50.27.57.51 → Services and information on the resort’s slopes.
Skiing with peace of mind also means being well insured!
A fall, a collision or an incident can happen very quickly on the slopes. To avoid unpleasant surprises, we recommend that you take out specific insurance to cover rescue on the slopes, repatriation and any medical expenses.
Check your cover before you set off, and opt for a policy that’s right for you!
Alpine skier descending a slope with a panoramic view of the Aravis mountain range in the background. The sky is fairly clear, with a golden glow moving behind the skier, wearing a pink ski suit.
A smiling skier poses in front of the Espace Freeride sign with a panoramic view of the Aravis mountain range and a growing cloud of powder behind her. She is dressed in a black ski suit with a rucksack, mask, poles and a fuchsia pink woollen hat. Before heading off into the mountains, it’s essential to be well-informed about the weather!
Conditions can change rapidly, affecting visibility, snow quality and safety on the slopes. Clear skies in the morning do not guarantee a risk-free day.
Check the forecasts, adapt your equipment and plan ahead to make the most of your outing with complete peace of mind.
In the event of an accident:
Mountain rescue number (in France): 112
In an emergency, call :
Ski insurance is not compulsory, but is strongly recommended. It may cover :
Check whether your bank card, home insurance or mutual insurance already includes ski cover.
Lost property is collected at the town hall, the municipal police and the Grand-Bornand ski area office.
Safe skiing = Respect for others + Control your speed
The weather influences skiing conditions and safety:
Check the weather report and piste conditions every morning before you set off.
Off-piste skiing involves a number of risks:
If you go off-piste :
Off-piste skiing requires serious preparation. If in doubt, stay on the marked runs.
