Advice / Safety before leaving
Some tips for a successful stay in the mountains
In the mountains, you must have: GOOD CLOTHING EQUIPMENT
Prefer high-top shoes to sneakers on mountain paths
Bring rain gear (the weather changes quickly in the mountains)
ACCESSORIES
Sunglasses, hat or cap, sunscreen…
A bottle of water (or baby bottle) and a snack.
AND, IN ADDITION, YOU NEED TO THINK ABOUT:
Find out about weather conditions
Avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day (from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.)
Do not go too high in altitude with a baby under 1 year old (risk of otitis)
Hydrate your child well.
Choose walks adapted to the age of the children (duration, elevation)
Take regular breaks.
Baby and altitude
It is not recommended to bring toddlers too high. In fact, the pressure is lower at 1000 m than in most cities. Some pediatricians advise not to exceed 1200 m before one year and 1800 m before 2 years.
If you still have to go to the mountains, you will need drive at very low speed, maximum 50 km/h so that your baby’s body and ears get used to the drop in pressure.
Moreover, too small, he will not think of swallow by itself, and you will have to give it a once in a while pacifier or bottle so that he heads from time to time, it is best for Mom to go behind to monitor baby’s reactions.
If your child cries or seems embarrassed, consider make “decompression” stops and take breaks of 10 to 15 minutes every 200m of elevation gain.
Know that the first days in the mountains, your baby will sleep less well because his body needs to acclimatize.
So don’t plan too many outings with baby and give him time to rest in the mountains!
Rules of conduct
The mountain is a wonderful land of adventure and freedom. However, there are a certain number of risks inherent to walking. To avoid them, it is sometimes simply necessary to demonstrate humility and common sense in the face of nature.
However, here are some basic tips (non-exhaustive list) to enjoy your pleasures in complete safety:
‐ The marked routes that you take are not monitored, so you undertake them at your own responsibility.
When you go for a walk, bring:
- Always have a winter trail map or an IGN map for experienced people.
- If you are a beginner or have little experience, prefer walks supervised by professionals rather than hiking alone.
- Choose your route according to your level, your fitness level and the weather conditions.When in doubt It is sometimes better to give up and turn back than to have to face a dangerous situation.
- Never hike alone And inform those around you of the route you are going to use.
- Don’t leave too late in the afternoon to be sure to return before dark.
- Check the status of your hardware.
- Equip yourself with good walking shoes and warm clothing.
- For your safety and that of others, stay on marked trails.
- Remember to eat, hydrate yourself and protect yourself from the sun and the cold.
Useful numbers:
- National Gendarmerie : +33 (0)4 76 80 32 44
- Municipal police & lost property : +33 (0)4 76 11 21 09
- Firefighters : 18 or 112
- Piste Service : +33 (0)4 76 80 37 38
- Bergers Medical Center : +33 (0)4 76 80 69 29
- Meije Medical Center : +33 (0)4 76 80 37 30
- Bergers Pharmacy : +33 (0)4 76 80 33 47
- Jeux Pharmacy : +33 (0)4 76 80 31 73