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, get informed 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, measure your efforts, eat and hydrate properly.
Equipped: to ski well, you must first 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 specialized stores, and be aware that those that comply with the NF X50-007 rental standard guarantee you suitable equipment and properly adjusted bindings.
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 sunscreen.
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. The effectiveness of helmets has been proven. Ask for a helmet that complies with standard NF EN 1077.
Insured: before taking the plunge, make sure you’re properly insured. If not, take the necessary steps. Help isn’t free… Respect safety rules.
04.50.27.02.62 → Resort piste rescue.
04.50.27.57.51 → Resort slope services and information.
Alpine ski slopes are classified into four categories identified by a color code 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 trail you are on: for example, the number 1 on a black background means that you have reached the bottom of a very difficult black trail.
The name of the piste and the number of the beacon must be communicated to make it easier for rescue services to intervene in the event of an accident.
Only runs declared open are controlled; outside these, you operate 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 color, the route of the lifts, the location of the safety and rescue posts and the high-altitude restaurants.
For your information, weather and avalanche bulletins are posted at the busiest points. A flag on a mast indicates the avalanche risk level.
04.50.27.02.62 → Resort slope rescue.
04.50.27.57.51 → Resort slope services and information.
Peace of mind on the slopes also means good insurance!
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 coverage 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 don’t guarantee a risk-free day.
Check the forecasts, adapt your equipment and plan ahead to make the most of your outing in complete peace of mind.
In the event of an accident :
1️⃣ Secure the area by placing your skis crosswise upstream to indicate the danger.
2️⃣ Alert emergency services by calling the resort’s emergency number.
3️⃣ Describe the situation (precise location, victim’s condition, circumstances)
4️⃣ Stay with the victim until help arrives
📞 Mountain rescue number (in France): 112
🚨 In case of emergency, call:
📞 112 (European emergency number)
📞 Specific station number(04.50.27.02.62)
📍 Indicate your precise position: name of runway, beacon or nearest terminal number
Ski insurance is not compulsory, but is strongly recommended. It may cover :
✔️ Rescue costs on the slopes
✔️ Medical transport (helicopter, ambulance)
✔️ Ski pass reimbursement in the event of an accident
✔️ Medical and hospital care
✔️ Civil liability in the event of accidents involving other skiers
📌 Check whether your bank card, home insurance or mutual insurance company already includes ski cover.
📦 Lost items are collected at the town hall, the municipal police and the Grand-Bornand ski area office.
✔️ Slow down in busy areas (lift departures, crossings)
✔️ Keep a safe distance from other skiers
✔️ Adapt speed to visibility and slope conditions
✔️ Be attentive to skiers downstream and avoid dangerous overtaking
📌 Safe skiing = Respect for others + Speed control
🌨️ Weather influences skiing conditions and safety:
⚠️ Poor visibility (fog, snow) = Increased risk of collision
❄️ Fresh snow = Possible avalanche danger
💨 Strong wind = Possible closure of ski lifts
🌞 Bright sun = Risk of dehydration and sunburn
📌 Check the weather report and slope conditions every morning before you set off.
🚨 Off-piste skiing involves several risks:
⚠️ Avalanches: Always check the risk level.
⚠️ Hidden obstacles: Rocks, crevasses, trees
⚠️ Loss of orientation: No beaconing or rapid rescue
✅ If you go off-piste:
✔️ Never set off alone
✔️ Check the weather and avalanche risk
✔️ Equip yourself with an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
✔️ Inform someone of your itinerary
✔️ Use an experienced guide
📌 Off-piste requires serious preparation. If in doubt, stay on the marked trails.
