Читать книгу Mountain Adventures in the Maurienne. Summer routes for a multi-activity holiday in the French Alps онлайн

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1:25,000 Maps

 3534OT Les Trois Vallées Modane

 3633ET Tignes, Val d'Isère, Haute Maurienne

 3634OT Val Cenis Charbonnel

The most recent editions of these maps show the extent of glacial retreat in a different colour.

If you are bringing a GPS, ensure it is programmed to datum WGS 84 and the grid system to UTM/UPS otherwise all grid references will be inaccurate. Don't forget to reprogramme it to UK settings on your return or the same problems will occur back in the UK.

Unlike the UK, paths are waymarked and signed to a high degree. The signage usually gives information in times rather than distance, and these seem to be calculated with a similar formula to Naismith's Rule of 5km per hour. The red-and-white flashes on rocks, walls and buildings will become familiar friends, and the small cycling symbols will also be a welcome aid to route finding.

A friendly sign with an old walking boot being put to good use!

Weather

Weather forecasts are posted at tourist information offices, usually in French with a simpler version in English. These are updated daily and are for the coming night and next two or three days. They are generally accurate but be aware that they are based on Bourg Saint Maurice to the north and so need to be slightly adapted, particularly the timing of weather fronts approaching. You can get them by phone; the current phone number is listed on the weather reports. If you are staying in a refuge, the guardian can be a good source of information and advice on local conditions.