Keeping Safe in the Mountains

The Massif du Sancy in the Auvergne region of France receives many thousands of visitors each year. 90% of them are cyclists, walkers and hikers, here to enjoy the spectacular volcanic scenery and experience the big skies and fresh air. The other 10% love the peace and quiet of the mountains, the relaxation of the thermal spas and the hearty food.

It is of paramount importance, however, that visitors remember the sudden and dramatic climatic changes which can occur in the mountain environment - it is, therefore, essential to follow a few basic rules to ensure the safety of everyone.

It may seem like common sense to think about being properly equipped in a mountain climate but many people are lulled into a false sense of security by the high summer temperatures and big, blue skies in the Sancy. This can all change in a heartbeat and the perfect summer's day can quickly turn into a foggy, wet challenge.

Here a few basic tips and guidelines to follow to ensure your safety:

1. Make sure that the route you have chosen is suitable for all people in your party; if you are out walking with children or older people, it is essential to remember that their stamina levels are easily exhausted.

2. Plan your route carefully and equip yourself with a good map. All the Tourist Offices in the Massif du Sancy sell a detailed map of the area with all the authorised walking trails marked on it. Make sure that you are familiar with the route you have planned - are there any steep ascents or descents and will all members of the party be able to cope? Try very hard to keep to the footpaths - veering off the authorised routes could lead you into terrain that is beyond the capabilities of some members of your party. If the first part of your route involves taking the cable car up the mountain, think about how you are all going to get down and always follow the signposts. Cable cars and chair lifts are usually for skiers and this can often indicate that the descent without snow will be steep and arduous unless there is a purpose built path available. Most of the authorised footpaths in the Massif du Sancy are marked with yellow signposts indicating the destination and distance.

3. Make sure that you have plenty of water with you - old people and children can dehydrate very quickly and this can happen even more rapidly at altitude. Most of the peaks in the Sancy range are at least 1000m (3,000 feet) high which means you need to drink even more water than the usual recommended daily amount.

4. Be aware of the weather forecast for the day and plan your route accordingly - if it is going to be stormy or rainy or foggy, avoid climbing too high and avoid the high plateaux. Do not ignore the weather forecast; a perfect summer day can turn quite nasty. You could perhaps even postpone your walk to another day.

5. Do not rely on your mobile phone to get you out of trouble! Coverage is extensive in the Massif du Sancy range but there are still some of the more remote spots where there will be no signal. Always tell someone of your intended itinerary before you set off and your approximate time of return.

6. Have the right clothing. The following items are essential - - a sturdy pair of waterproof walking boots - a back pack - a waterproof jacket and trousers - a hat - a warm top or fleece - sunglasses - sun cream - plenty of water - glucose sweets or a snack - a basic first aid kit - a map and compass

7. Be equipped with the emergency numbers just in case you need them. The Mountain Rescue Service in the Massif du Sancy is the 'Peloton de gendarmerie de montagne' (PGM) based in Le Mont Dore. They can provide advice and information on all aspects of the mountain environment and proposed itineraries as well as providing a rescue service for those in real difficulty. Their number is 04-73-65-04-06. In the event of an accident you can also contact the emergency services on 15, 17, 18 or 112.

The Massif du Sancy range is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in France. If you treat it with respect and equip yourself well, you can enjoy it safely.