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Emergency Now
Ski holidays offer an enjoyable and energising break but unfortunately injuries or incidents do occasionally happen. So what numbers should you have in the event of an accident? Quite simply call 112.
But read on for a little more information regarding emergencies…
If you need immediate emergency assistance in Europe call 112.
112 is an emergency telephone number that can be dialled free of charge from most mobile telephones to contact ambulance, fire and rescue and police in all EU countries.
In Europe 112 will connect you to an english speaking operative that can determine the emergency service appropriate for your location and the type of emergency.
When calling this number it is advisable to have basic information to hand. You will need to give your name, your location and the type of emergency. Then follow the instructions you are given.
General Information
When skiing in a resort it is advisable to have a mobile phone should you need to seek assistance. Many resorts now have apps such as Yuge (Paradiski), which have an SOS button and GPS coordinates.
Carry a paper piste map in case your mobile phone looses power (cold conditions can quickly deplete battery power), or if you don’t have a mobile phone.
Don’t try to unnecessarily move the injured party. Keep them warm by covering with coats.
Put snowboards or crossed skis upright in the snow a short distance above the injured party to make others aware of the incident.
The french don’t have ‘Mountain Rescue’, at least not under this name. The Peloton de Gendarmerie de Haute Montagne (PGHM) is the unit of the ‘Gendarmerie Nationale’ responsible for search and rescue - amongst other responsibilities.
Piste Sécurité (ski patrol/piste patrol/piste security) are a ski resort rescue service and operate within the ‘domain skiable’. The ‘domain skiable’ is any area that can be reached by a descent from a ski lift.
Rescue or medical treatment will incur a charge. It may be possible to reclaim this expense from your insurer.
France emergency telephone numbers
European Emergency: 112
PGHM Tarentaise: +33 (0)4 79 08 29 30
Piste Sécurité Tarentaise resorts
- Coûrchevel +33 (0)4 79 08 99 00
- Vallandry +33 (0)4 79 07 92 59
- Sainte Foy +33 (0)4 79 06 95 15
- Tignes +33 (0)4 79 06 32 00
- Val d'Isère +33 (0)4 79 06 01 69
- Val Thorens +33 (0)4 79 00 01 80
- La Plagne +33 (0}4 79 09 67 60
La Rosière +33 (0)4 79 40 12 02
Les Arcs +33 (0)4 79 07 85 66
Les Ménuires +33 (0)4 79 00 64 47
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