The mountains are also home to many species, some of which are protected or endangered. To ensure you do not harm them, please do not leave any rubbish in the countryside. Take your rubbish with you to dispose of it in the appropriate bins (compost bins, recycling bins or general waste bins). If you come across any other rubbish that has been carelessly left behind on your walk, you can also pick it up.

Cross-breeding herding dogs

On your walks, and particularly on the alpine pastures, you may come across herding dogs. These guard dogs, as their name suggests, are there to protect the herds and may therefore, when you approach their protected area, display deterrent behaviour (such as barking or growling). In such situations, we advise you to: Give the herd a wide berth whenever possible; Do not attempt to feed, stroke or take photographs of a guard dog, a sheep or a lamb: the dogs may interpret this as an aggression; Behave calmly and passively towards the dog to reassure it; do not make any sudden movements; Get off your bike (if you’re a cyclist) and walk alongside it; Keep your dog on a lead (for dog owners) and do not pick it up; You can also consult the guide

The emergency number to remember is 112 . Whilst waiting for the emergency services, protect the casualty from any immediate danger and cover them with a survival blanket. If possible, one person should stay with the casualty to reassure them, whilst another goes to call for help. Distress signals to be aware of: • arms raised in a V shape, with the body forming a Y for ‘yes’. • arms outstretched, one up and one down, with the body forming an ‘N’ for ‘no’.

Advice and safety in the mountains

The essentials

The mountains are a natural environment where protected species coexist, all within a natural setting that can sometimes be unstable.
Throughout the year and across the seasons, the mountains change: snow melts, glaciers shift and rocks move. Choosing to explore the mountains also means being aware of the risks… That is why, before, during and throughout your trip, it is essential to bear in mind a few basic rules for your safety.

Before you leave :

Choose your route according to your ability
Check the weather forecast and remember that the weather can change very quickly in the mountains
Make sure you have the right kit for your activity (good footwear, the ‘layering’ principle for clothing, and a rucksack suited to your walking plans and the amount of kit you need)
Take something to eat (dried fruit, cereal bars, etc.) and drink (plenty of water)
Let someoneknow when you’re setting off and your route, and avoid setting off alone

Takeaway with you

Sunglasses, a hat and sun cream

Walking sticks, a torch and a multi-purpose knife

IGN map

First-aid kit

Camera

In the field best practice

Managing your waste
The mountains are also home to many species, some of which are protected or endangered. To ensure you do not harm them, please do not leave any rubbish in the countryside. Take your rubbish with you to dispose of it in the appropriate bins (compost bins, recycling bins or general waste bins). If you come across any other rubbish that has been carelessly left behind on your walk, you can also pick it up.
Cross-breeding herding dogs
On your walks, and particularly on the alpine pastures, you may come across herding dogs. These guard dogs, as their name suggests, are there to protect the herds and may therefore, when you approach their protected area, display deterrent behaviour (such as barking or growling). In such situations, we advise you to:
- Give the herd a wide berth whenever possible;
- Do not attempt to feed, stroke or take photographs of a guard dog, a sheep or a lamb: the dogs may interpret this as an aggression;
- Behave calmly and passively towards the dog to reassure it; do not make any sudden movements;
- Get off your bike (if you’re a cyclist) and walk alongside it;
- Keep your dog on a lead (for dog owners) and do not pick it up;
You can also consult the guide
In an emergency
The emergency number to remember is 112. Whilst waiting for the emergency services, protect the casualty from any immediate danger and cover them with a survival blanket. If possible, one person should stay with the casualty to reassure them, whilst another goes to call for help.
Distress signals to be aware of:
• arms raised in a V shape, with the body forming a Y for ‘yes’.
• arms outstretched, one up and one down, with the body forming an ‘N’ for ‘no’.

Go one step further

Would you like to be accompanied by mountain professionals on your hiking trip?
Take a look at the list of activities our experts offer.