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