Hiking in the Alps

The official Savoie Mont-Blanc website savoie-mont-blanc.com offers 8 “walks for everybody” in the family-friendly village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise (located around twenty kilometres from Brides-les-Bains), and 57 “family hikes” in the Tarentaise region.

Difficulty levels

Before you set off on a hike, it’s important to check that your ability matches its difficulty level.
There are several things to consider in addition to the vertical climb and duration; from walks along signposted trails to mountain and even high-mountain hikes.
One of the best recognised systems rates each hike according to six categories, going from T1 “Easy hike” to T6 “Difficult Alpine hike”, and including “Challenging mountain hike”, etc…

To limit the issue of interpretation and avoid choosing unsuitable itineraries, the FFRandonnée and its partner IBP Index has developed a national system for categorising pedestrian hikes.
It uses 3 criteria ranked from 1 to 5: effort (physical difficulty), how technical it is (whether or not there are any major obstacles), and risk (how serious an injury might be in the event of a fall or slip).
These combined criteria add up to the real difficulty level of each hiking trail.

The FFRandonnée offers a category guide which can be downloaded on its website

For a peaceful stroll along the trails, serenely soaking up the magnificent views, discovering mountain wildlife or a climb to the most stunning mountain backdrops…
From easy walks to major hikes, all you have to do is follow the signposts, from Brides-les-Bains or further afield:

1. Ahead of anything else, the right preparation for a hike requires one thing…  realism !
   Before you can appreciate “THE 360° panorama”, you need to be confident that you have the physical stamina and ability to adapt (tricky sections, bad weather, correct use of equipment etc…) to get there.

2. Mapping out a hiking itinerary is one of the key preparatory stages.
   To do that, you’ll need to take a few details into consideration: are you going to go in a loop or end up somewhere else? Where does the hike start from?
   What are the vertical climbs and drops, distances, altitudes, where are the tricky sections, refreshment or, if necessary, accommodation options? etc…
   At this stage, you can make use of a guidebook map, an OS map or an interactive online map. It’s also important to decide if you’re able to get your bearings on your own using a map and compass, or if it’s a better idea for you to take GR trails and signposted routes

3. A good hike also requires proper anticipation of weather conditions. You’re better off not getting caught in a storm or being forced to make your way across an area that’s suddenly become difficult to cross due to bad weather!

4. We obviously recommend that you bring practical, quality hiking equipment:
   • • • A good pair of comfortable shoes suitable for the terrain,
       • Thin socks (preferably cotton or wool mixed with polyester) to fit snugly around the foot and release perspiration,
       • Three layers of breathable, waterproof clothing: an underlayer, a thermal layer and a protective layer. On your lower half, wear shorts or trousers you feel comfortable in,
       • A good rucksack: a 10 – 15 litre rucksack is fine for a simple walk, a 25 – 30 litre rucksack for a full-day hike etc…,
       • Walking poles, preferably with rubber grips,
       • A hiking GPS, as well as a map and a compass (useful if the network coverage drops out!),
       • A whistle so you can be found if required,
       • An Opinel©-style knife,
       • A torch,
       • A first aid kit including a survival blanket, plasters, disinfectant, painkillers, a pair of tweezers (for removing splinters or ticks), an Aspivenin pump for insect bites and arnica cream.
       • Depending on weather conditions, a hat (or beanie), sunglasses, sun cream, lip balm.

        —————————————————–
Useful tips:

• • We recommend that you pack heavier objects nearer your back to spread the load,
  • Keep your orientation equipment and something to protect you from the rain on hand at all times.
    —————————————————–

    *The amounts of food and water depend on the hiking itinerary and weather conditions.
    For a full-day hike, the perfect meal includes energy-providing carbohydrates (wholemeal bread, rice or lentil salad…), protein (meat, hard-boiled egg, cheese…) and raw vegetables.
    Dried fruit and cereal bars are useful to bring along as snacks (chocolate is best avoided in summer!).

    We hope you have a wonderful time hiking on the trails in and around Brides-les-Bains…