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!
An avalanche is a fascinating and naturally occuring phenomenon that is caused by unstable snow conditions. Since it is practically 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
last updated 21-Jan-2008
Mountain Rescue within the Chamonix Valley
In and around the Mont Blanc massif, mountain rescue operations are carried out by the Peloton de Gendarmerie de Haute-Montagne (PGHM) of Chamonix. This unit is supported by the Compagnie des Guides, the Ecole Nationale de Ski et d’Alpinisme and the Ecole Militaire de Haute-Montagne and they have a number of helicopters based in resort all year round.
Useful telephone numbers
Company
Telephone Number
Weather in English
Tourist Office
Compagnie des Guides
Maison de la Montagne
Reserve des Aiguilles Rouges
Mountain Rescue (PGHM)
Hospital
Pompiers
International Rescue
Winter safety video produced by La Chamoniarde - the Chamonix High Mountain Office. The video highlights some of the dangers met in the mountains and what to watch out for.
