The mountains provide a spectacular playground for skiers, climbers, mountaineers, yet their beauty can also be deadly. High mountain terrain can be subject to extreme weather conditions, rock falls and avalanches. You should always take note of safety warnings and we always recommend you hire a mountain guide when heading into high mountain terrain. Be aware and be safe!
Avalanches in the Mountains
An avalanche is a fastinating and naturally occuring phenomenon that is caused by unstable snow conditions. Since it is pratically impossible to predict where and when the next avalanche will occur, significant amounts of information such as weather forecasts and avalanche forecasts are provided for the winter sports enthusiasts to aid their understanding of avalanche dangers and potentially prevent one from occuring.
The following avalanche information is not to be accepted as a set of instructions, it is designed merely provide guidance for those who wish to go off piste, and facilitate informed decision-making. It is also worth noting that avalanches are not the only dangers of off-piste: natural obstacles such as crevasses, buried rocks or cliffs are also potential hazards. It is highly recommended that you take a mountain guide whilst venturing into unknown territory. ... more
Mountain Rescue within Val d'Isere
Your first phone call in a mountain emergency should be to the ski patrol, who will then advise you what to do and call for further assistance if necessary. You should always make sure that you have a piste map with you and that you are aware of lift closing times, weather conditions and security warnings. All this information is made available at the main lift stations.
Rescue by helicopter can prove expensive if you are later invoiced for it and, more importantly, could be diverting a resource that someone in serious danger might need. It should only be called upon if you are injured or in danger.
Below is a list of telephone numbers that may come in useful in an emergency on or off the mountain.
ORGANISATION
TELEPHONE NUMBER
Weather in English
0892 70 03 30
Val d'Isère Tourist Office
+33 (0)4 79 06 06 60
Bureau des Guides
+33 (0)6 14 62 90 24
Securité des Pistes
+33 (0)4 79 06 02 10
Ski Patrol (Val d'Isère)
+33 (0)4 79 06 01 69
Ski Patrol (Tignes)
+33 (0)4 79 06 32 00
SAF (Helicopter Rescue)
+33 (0)4 79 41 93 49
Bourg Saint Maurice Hospital
+33 (0)4 79 41 79 79
SAMU (ambulance)
15
Pompiers (Fire Brigade)
18
International Rescue
112 (This isn’t the Thunderbirds!)
Videos from Val d'Isere - Glacier Safety
You must have Javascript enabled.
Filmed during the winter 2009 on the famous Vallée Blanche, this video shows the basic principles of skiing on glaciers in terms of crevasse spotting and group management.
Directed and produced by Courchevel based ski instructor Simon Christy, the film also features Simon Abrahams, and is narrated by Miles Bright who authored a book on glacier safety and rescue for skiers and boarders.
The film team also had technical input from Kath Murphy.
Skinets Support Tool |
