MAYORAL ORDER No. 2017.31 Relating to safety in Puy-Saint-Vincent's Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing Area This Mayoral Order has been issued by the Mayor of Puy-Saint-Vincent District, in accordance with and considering : the General Code of Practice for Local Authorities and in particular Articles L2211, L2212-1, L2212-2 paragraph 5, L2122-18, and L2215-1 L2321-2 paragraph 7. the French Law No. 85.30 (January 9th 1985) relating to the development and environmental protection of the mountains. the French Law No. 2004.811 (August 13th 2004) concerning Public Security. the French Law No. 91-2 (January 3rd 1991) relating to the operation of land vehicles in natural areas. the French National Safety Standard NFS 52-101 (September 2002 ) for defining the specific terms relating to "skiing slopes, cross-country/nordic skiing trails and routes and their designated areas". the French National Safety Standard NFS 50-204 (July 20th 2004) relating to information on avalanche risk. that current tourism trends impose on cross-country/nordic skiing sites, originally focused mainly on the single practice of just cross-country/nordic skiing activities, to diversify additional activities and to propose a wider selection of activities. The cross-country/ Nordic skiing area of Puy-Saint-Vincent wishes to develop this aspect, by offering additional interests and activities associated with the cross-country/nordic skiing area : a unique and privileged contact with the natural surroundings, the peace and calm of an environment with the absence of ski-lift motorisation. the inherent risks with the operation and movement of snow-grooming machines and equipment during maintenance of cross-country/nordic skiing trails. the proposal from SAEM Les Ecrins' Head of Slope Safety & Management. Article 1 : Every cross-country/nordic skiing trail that is marked-out and signposted, regularly snow-groomed and maintained, reserved for the exclusive use of cross-country/nordic skiing is considered to be a cross-country/nordic ski trail, for the purpose of this Mayoral Order. The route of the cross-country/nordic skiing trail may be either : a loop-trail : the cross-country/nordic skiing trail starts from and returns to its point of departure (i.e. the same Departure Point and the same Arrival Point : from Departure Point A to Arrival Point A). a linear-trail : the cross-country/nordic skiing trail runs between two different points (from a Departure Point to a different Arrival Point), thus the trail must be set-up to allow crosscountry/nordic skiing in both directions (from Point A to Point B, as well as from Point B to Point A).
Designated Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing Distance in Kilometres Level of Difficulty Trails & Routes Tournoux - La Rochaille 2 km Tour de la Pousterle Les Petites Têtes Les Grandes Têtes Le Belvedère 2.3 km 2.8 km 4.5 km 1 km Blue * Apart from the designated cross-country/nordic skiing trails, there are also designated shared routes, shared by various authorised activities, cross-country/nordic skiing, walking/snow-shoeing and back-country skiing/touring (with climbing skins). These loop or linear trails are marked-out, signposted, snow-groomed and regularly maintained. These routes are used in both directions, the priority is to the cross-country/nordic skier who will have to regulate their speed according to the layout of the terrain. Walkers and people snow-shoeing on the routes must take care to move to the side of the trail, ensuring that they do not block, hinder or limit access for cross-country/nordic skiers. Dogs are permitted, but must be on a leash at all times. Access is allowed to sledgingdogs, but only with prior agreement from the Slope Safety & Management Department, and only if driven by a qualified professional. Designated Shared Trails & Routes Le Villaret Combe Noire Route du Col Pré Loubet TSD des Prés Accès 1600 Le Lauzet Distance in Kilometres 2 km 1.5 km 1.5 km 1 km * Apart from the designated cross-country/nordic skiing trails, there are also specific pedestrian / snowshoeing routes, which can be also used for back-country skiing/touring (with climbing skins). These routes are marked-out and signposted, are regularly maintained, are either entirely snowgroomed or only certain sections are snow-groomed. These two-way trails are reserved for activities not involving speed : walking/snow-shoeing, back-country skiing/touring (with climbing skins). Certain sections of these trails can cross designated cross-country/nordic skiing trails. The skier has priority at these crossings. Dogs are permitted, but must be on a leash at all times. Access is allowed to sledgingdogs, but only with prior agreement from the Slope Safety & Management Department, and only if driven by a qualified professional. Designated Shared Routes & Trails NO SPEED : Walking, Snow-Shoeing, Back-Country Skiing/Touring (with climbing skins) Tournoux la Rochaille Col de la Pousterle-Belvédère du Fournel Distance in Kilometres 2 km 3.5 km Level of Difficulty Blue Blue
* Apart from the designated cross-country/nordic skiing trails, there are specific snow-shoeing routes where back-country skiing/touring (with climbing skins) is also allowed. These routes are marked-out and signposted, they may or may not be cleared, they are not snow-groomed, but they are regularly monitored and maintained by personnel from the Slope Safety & Management Department. These two-way trails are reserved for activities not involving speed : snow-shoeing, back-country skiing/touring (with climbing skins). Certain sections of these trails can cross designated cross-country/nordic skiing trails. The skier has priority at these crossings. Dogs are permitted, but must be on a leash at all times. Designated Shared Routes & Trails (not snow-groomed) NO SPEED : Snow-shoeing, Back-Country skiing/touring (with climbing skins) Belvédère des Têtes Belvédère du Fournel par les Sagnes Le lac des Hermes Distance in Kilometres 4.5 km 2 km Level of Difficulty * Apart from the designated cross-country/nordic skiing trails, there is also : - A 1km loop-trail designated for dog-sledging, at Lauzet. - A designated downhill trail for sledging, between the chairlifts of Prés and Prés d'amont, regulated further by a specific Mayoral Order. Dogs are permitted, but must be on a leash at all times. These marked-out and signposted routes are clearly marked on the site maps, at the beginning of and along each route. These routes cannot be considered as cross-country/nordic skiing trails as per the meaning outlined in this Mayoral Order. On some of the above mentioned routes mentioned, the activity Fat Bike (under qualified supervision) may be permitted, but only with prior agreement from the Slope Safety & Management Department. Article 2 : Cross-country/Nordic skiing trails and specific routes are divided into four coloured categories, according to their level of difficulty : very easy trail green coloured trail easy trail blue coloured trail difficult trail red coloured trail very difficult trail black coloured trail Each cross-country/nordic skiing trail is marked-out and signposted with coloured identification signs and direction arrows. The colour identification indicates the level of difficulty of the trail (as above). The identification arrow signs are placed at the start of the trail, as well as at all intersections with other trails, and at various points along the trail. The name of the trail is indicated in white capital letters. The identification arrow signs also give details of the trail's distance and difficulty. Placed at various points along the trail, the identification arrow signs continue to give details of the trail's distance and difficulty.
On the shared routes, a specific BLUE signage (indicating trail identification and direction) is in place, which also shows what activities are authorised on the shared trail. On the designated routes, a specific ORANGE signage (indicating trail identification and direction) is in place, which also shows what activities are authorised on the designated trail. As with the cross-country/nordic skiing trails, all the above signs will also indicate a coloured spot to specify the trail's level of difficulty. For designated snow-shoeing routes, the directional markings found along the trail, also indicate coloured markers which correspond to the difficulty of the trail. Article 3 : For users' information, a map of the trails and routes, which details their key characteristics (distance, technical difficulty), is clearly visible at the start of these trails and routes. These detailed maps can also be viewed in the carparks at 1800 Station and 1400 Station, as well as in various other places where Public Information is made available. A site-plan may also be found at trail and route crossings, or at any other place deemed useful. In case of avalanche risks, appropriate signage and information, will be displayed at the following places: at the Ski-Pass Offices at 1400 Station and 1600 Station, and at the Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing Reception Chalet. The signage refers to a European Avalanche Risk Index, based on a scale of 1 to 5. 1 being "a Low Risk of Avalanche" and 5 being "a Very High Risk of Avalanche (detailed below). DANGER Level 5 Very High Icon Snow-layer stability Avalanche triggering probability The snow-layer is poorly bonded and largely unstable in general. Numerous large-sized and often very large -sized natural avalanches can be expected, even in moderately steep terrain. 4 High 3 Considerable 2 Moderate The snow-layer is poorly bonded on most steep slopes. The snow-layer is moderately to poorly bonded on many steep slopes. The snow-layer is only moderately well bonded on some steep slopes, otherwise well bonded and stable in general. Triggering is likely even from low additional loads** on many steep slopes. In some cases, numerous medium-size and often large-sized natural avalanches can be expected. Triggering is possible, even from low additional loads** particularly on the indicated steep slopes*. In some cases medium-sized, in isolated cases largesized natural avalanches are possible. Triggering is possible primarily from high additional loads**, particularly on the indicated steep slopes*. Large-sized natural avalanches are unlikely. 1 Low The snow-layer is well bonded and stable in general. Triggering is generally possible only from high additional loads** in isolated areas of very steep, extreme terrain. Only sluffs and small-sized natural avalanches are possible.
Article 4 : Various information signs throughout the resort will inform visitors, skiers and walkers of all relevant Public Information, all Unauthorised Activities, as well as any potential Danger/Risks, whether permanent or temporary. Danger/Risks signs : triangular signs with a yellow background, with text and/or symbols/icons in black, or with yellow and black coloured markings. Unauthorised Activities : circular signs with a red surround and red "unauthorised" bar across a white background, with text and/or symbols/icons in black. Public Information signs : rectangular signs with a blue background, with text and/or symbols/icons in white. Article 5 : The Mayor, or any authorised representative, may prohibit public access to shared trails and routes for security reasons : Depending on the avalanche risk (as forecast by the French National Weather Forecast, Météo France), the presence of ice, the lack of snow and any other possible weather conditions. If necessary, depending on the level of avalanche risk broadcast by Météo France, Unauthorized Access may be extended to designated trails and routes that are particularly susceptible to avalanche risks. In the case of cross-country/nordic skiing competitions, access to cross-country/nordic skiing trails susceptible to potential risk, may be prohibited to the public. Such Unauthorized Public Access will be made known to the public via signs being promptly displayed in the most visible and appropriate places to ensure early warning. Article 6 : To assist the Mayor's decision making, the Mayor may seek advice and recommendations from the District Council Security Committee. Article 7 : * On the cross-country/nordic skiing trails: Unless specifically authorised in writing by the Mayor and clearly displayed at all times while on the cross-country/nordic skiing trails (e.g. specifically written authorisation for dog-sledging), access to cross-country/nordic skiing trails is strictly prohibited : to all persons not adequately equipped for cross-country skiing, or accompanied by an animal. to any type of animal-powered skiing or sledging, regardless of the type of animal. to all devices used for advancing on snow, with or without an engine (e.g. snowmobiles, quads, all motor vehicles, mountain bikes). Only the following exceptions are permitted : - Machines and devices for maintaining and snow-grooming the trails, as well as safety and rescue equipment, under the following conditions: They are equipped with a highly visible orange flashing warning-light and an audible warningalarm. They are required to clear the trail as quickly as possible. Persons having got special prior permission to ride on snowmobiles must comply with the specific requirements which will have been notified to them.
* On shared trails and routes: Motorised vehicles are subject to the same previously outlined regulatory requirements as well as special dispensation requirements. Other winter sport activities (perceived as being suitable, appropriate and safe considering the environment and its conditions) are not strictly prohibited. However mountain-biking and animal-powered winter-sports must request and obtain prior written authorisation from the Slope Safety & Management Department. The Pré Loubet route, when setting-off from the 1800 Station carpark, crosses alpine-skiing slopes. Users of this route must ensure at these intersections that they do not block or hinder alpine-skiers, respecting at all times the accepted standards of good behaviour and the rules of good conduct on ski-slopes (outlined in Articles 18 and 19 of the Mayoral Order 2017.30 Safety on Alpine-Skiing Slopes). This important safety point also applies when setting-off from the chairlift Prés au Lauzet and crossing intersections of alpine-skiing slopes at 1600 Station. It's important to note for the above mentioned crossing routes, that snow-grooming machines (using cable-winches), generally used for the alpine-skiing areas, cross the above mentioned routes outside the opening hours of the alpine-skiing runs so as to groom the crosscountry/nordic skiing trails and routes. Similarly, snowmobiles transporting stock to the two high-altitude-mountain-restaurants, "L'Etoile des Neiges" and "Les Bartavelles" as well as the snack-shack Buvette de Tournoux, are authorized to cross the Pré Loubet route, from the 1800 Station carpark, between 7:00am and 8:30am and between 5:30pm and 7:30pm. * On designated routes: All persons walking or snow-shoeing on marked-out and signposted designated routes, do so at their own risk, taking care to adapt their technique and behaviour accordingly so as to ensure their own safety and all other users' safety. All persons must respect the markings and signs in place on the slope/trail/route. They must be aware of the recommendations and precautionary rules specific to the winter mountain environment. All persons must not use the sections of slopes/trails/routes if they are closed for safety reasons by the Slope Safety & Management Department. All persons must carry their own personal safety equipment adapted to their winter mountain activity as well as to their specific outing (appropriate clothing and footwear...) Before setting-off on a slope/trail/route, all persons must take note of and take into account the weather and snow conditions for the day (Météo france, Slope Safety & Management Department, Tourist Office,...). Article 8 : Safety on the slopes/trails/routes is assured by qualified personnel, equipped with the necessary equipment for the completion of their duties and tasks, in particular equipment to call the Slope Assistance & Rescue Team, to administer First Aid, to move and transport injured persons. Personnel's strict adherence to written safety procedures, guidelines and protocols ensures the efficient logistical organisation and management of any assistance and rescue interventions. The Slope Safety Manager of Puy-Saint-Vincent Resort is Mr. Vincent Roz, certified and approved by the Mayoral Order 2017.35 (dated December 5th, 2017).
Article 9 : During the winter season and under normal operating conditions, the Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing Area is accessible between 9:30am and 4:00pm. During these hours, assistance and rescue is provided by personnel from the Slope Safety & Management Department. These opening times can be modified according to the specific weather and snow conditions. Any modifications of opening hours will be made known to the public. During opening hours, any users who leave marked-out and designated trails or routes, do so at their own risk and by doing so accept full personal responsibility and full personal liability. Likewise, any users using marked-out and designated trails or routes outside of official opening hours do so at their own risk and by doing so accept full personal responsibility and full personal liability. Users using the ski-lift Prés to access the Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing Area, can also use this lift to return, but only during the lift's operating hours. Outside the lift's operating hours, which are clearly displayed at the lift, users wishing to return, must either return by the route Pré Loubet to 1800 Station or by the routes to the 1400 Station. Outside the official opening hours of the Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing Area, any assistance and rescue is the responsibility of the Mountain Rescue Teams. If deemed necessary, the Mountain Rescue Teams may call on Puy-Saint-Vincent's Slope Assistance & Rescue personnel as reinforcements to give further assistance on the Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing Area or public areas. Article 10 : This Mayoral Order cancels and replaces the previous Municipal Order 2016.27 (dated October 26th 2016) relating to safety on Puy-Saint-Vincent's Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing Area. Article 11 : Were applicable, all relevant persons and parties to this Mayoral Order must take responsibility to ensure its strict application. This Mayoral Order will be printed and displayed at all usual and appropriate Public Information Points, in particular on information signs at the beginning of slopes/trails/routes. Signed by the Mayor of Puy-Saint-Vincent, in Puy-Saint-Vincent, on December 5th 2017. Mayor, Mr. Michel Engilberge