| The Massif du Sancy in the Auvergne region of | | | | and arduous unless there is a purpose built path |
| France receives many thousands of visitors each | | | | available. Most of the authorised footpaths in the |
| year. 90% of them are cyclists, walkers and hikers, | | | | Massif du Sancy are marked with yellow signposts |
| here to enjoy the spectacular volcanic scenery and | | | | indicating the destination and distance. |
| experience the big skies and fresh air. The other 10% | | | | 3. Make sure that you have plenty of water with you - |
| love the peace and quiet of the mountains, the | | | | old people and children can dehydrate very quickly and |
| relaxation of the thermal spas and the hearty food. | | | | this can happen even more rapidly at altitude. Most of |
| It is of paramount importance, however, that visitors | | | | the peaks in the Sancy range are at least 1000m |
| remember the sudden and dramatic climatic changes | | | | (3,000 feet) high which means you need to drink even |
| which can occur in the mountain environment - it is, | | | | more water than the usual recommended daily |
| therefore, essential to follow a few basic rules to | | | | amount. |
| ensure the safety of everyone. | | | | 4. Be aware of the weather forecast for the day and |
| It may seem like common sense to think about being | | | | plan your route accordingly - if it is going to be stormy |
| properly equipped in a mountain climate but many | | | | or rainy or foggy, avoid climbing too high and avoid the |
| people are lulled into a false sense of security by the | | | | high plateaux. Do not ignore the weather forecast; a |
| high summer temperatures and big, blue skies in the | | | | perfect summer day can turn quite nasty. You could |
| Sancy. This can all change in a heartbeat and the | | | | perhaps even postpone your walk to another day. |
| perfect summer's day can quickly turn into a foggy, | | | | 5. Do not rely on your mobile phone to get you out of |
| wet challenge. | | | | trouble! Coverage is extensive in the Massif du Sancy |
| Here a few basic tips and guidelines to follow to | | | | range but there are still some of the more remote |
| ensure your safety: | | | | spots where there will be no signal. Always tell |
| 1. Make sure that the route you have chosen is suitable | | | | someone of your intended itinerary before you set off |
| for all people in your party; if you are out walking with | | | | and your approximate time of return. |
| children or older people, it is essential to remember that | | | | 6. Have the right clothing. The following items are |
| their stamina levels are easily exhausted. | | | | essential - - a sturdy pair of waterproof walking boots |
| 2. Plan your route carefully and equip yourself with a | | | | - a back pack - a waterproof jacket and trousers - a |
| good map. All the Tourist Offices in the Massif du | | | | hat - a warm top or fleece - sunglasses - sun cream - |
| Sancy sell a detailed map of the area with all the | | | | plenty of water - glucose sweets or a snack - a basic |
| authorised walking trails marked on it. Make sure that | | | | first aid kit - a map and compass |
| you are familiar with the route you have planned - are | | | | 7. Be equipped with the emergency numbers just in |
| there any steep ascents or descents and will all | | | | case you need them. The Mountain Rescue Service in |
| members of the party be able to cope? Try very hard | | | | the Massif du Sancy is the 'Peloton de gendarmerie de |
| to keep to the footpaths - veering off the authorised | | | | montagne' (PGM) based in Le Mont Dore. They can |
| routes could lead you into terrain that is beyond the | | | | provide advice and information on all aspects of the |
| capabilities of some members of your party. If the first | | | | mountain environment and proposed itineraries as well |
| part of your route involves taking the cable car up the | | | | as providing a rescue service for those in real difficulty. |
| mountain, think about how you are all going to get | | | | Their number is 04-73-65-04-06. In the event of an |
| down and always follow the signposts. Cable cars and | | | | accident you can also contact the emergency |
| chair lifts are usually for skiers and this can often | | | | services on 15, 17, 18 or 112. |
| indicate that the descent without snow will be steep | | | | |