Just Essential sarl

SAFETY

Your safety during mountain walks with Just Essential

The mountains have always been a special place for human beings, full of mysterious beauty, of incomparable miracles and without a doubt it was the spot where the man still felt the so much loved freedom. Especially in this environment everyone can actually complete refresh.

But we should not be bluffed by all these invaluable qualities we can find in the mountains. It is a great environment and it should be approached with the most respect. The mountains remain an undeveloped, wild world that is suddenly able to express hostility. The apparent calm may make us very quickly forget the real danger, because it almost invisible.

A beautiful, peaceful and sunny morning may change suddenly with factors such as thunderstorms, gales, rain and cold. The vigilance of a professional mountain guide who points out the changes in time, is of great importance. The guide prevents the so unpleasant experiences in the mountains.

The professional mountain guide has a good knowledge of routes and paths that are walked on. The personal knowledge that constantly is updated through contact with other mountain guides and mountain specialists, ensures that the paths are accessible and that there is no danger to hikers.

An accident during a mountain walk is in most cases an exception. But a simple twist can have a dramatic effect without the presence of a professional mountain guide with experience and cold blood. The guide is professionally trained to respond in such situations and has the legal ability to call the official emergency services of the mountains so that the safety of the rest of the group is guaranteed.

On French territory, only a professional mountain guide with a certificate of the French State can provide to a group the maximum guarantees which are recognized by the various insurance companies and the legal authorities who check the implementation of professional mountain guides.

That is the reason we have chosen to work with a professional mountain guide. Only in this way we can provide maximum safety during the walks we can offer.

We give a few tips on the equipment in order to improve security in the mountains. It is important to take the following precautions:

• Make sure to be equipped with the right shoes for hiking in the mountains. It is an essential investment in order to be comfortable during the trip. If you purchased a new pair of shoes, wear it regularly before you start walking in the mountains. You avoid blisters and other unpleasantness. In your area you will find specialized shops with expert advice on the purchase of shoes
• In the mountains the temperature can change quickly. It is recommended that you carry a wind/rain jacket and a warm sweater in your backpack.
• The sun shines often brighter in the mountains. A hat, sun cream and a lipstick are necessary.
• Dehydration in the mountains will appear faster than on flat terrain. Take a water bottle of 1.5 liter with you in your backpack.

The above mentioned simple precautions can protect you from troubles during your day of mountain hiking. It is your own contribution to your own safety. The professional mountain guide watches over the rest.

This text "Your safety during mountain walks" © is written by Joël Barrault. .

Joël Barrault is a professional mountain guide in the Mercantour Massif; as well in the summer as in the winter. He is one of the ‘Merveilles’ guides and specialized in the carvings on the rocks of the ‘Vallee des Merveilles’: www.guidesdesmerveilles.com.

September 2009