Summits on the Air Reference Manual Document Reference S15.1 Issue Number 1.3 Date of Issue 01-Dec-2016 Participation start date 01-Apr-2007 Authorised SOTA Management Team 01-Dec-2016 Manager SOTA Robert DUCROUX F5HTR SOTA is an original concept by G3WGV and developed with G3CWI Notice Summits on the Air SOTA and the SOTA logo are trademarks of the Programme. This document is copyright of the Programme. All other trademarks and copyrights referenced herein are acknowledged.
Table of contents 1 CHANGE CONTROL 3 2 ASSOCIATION REFERENCE DATA 5 2.1 PROGRAMME DERIVATION 6 2.2 GENERAL INFORMATION 7 2.3 RIGHTS OF WAY AND ACCESS ISSUES 7 2.4 MAPS AND NAVIGATION 7 2.5 SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS 7 2.6 DISCLAIMER 8 3 SUMMIT REFERENCE DAT A 9 3.1 REGION REFERENCE ALPES M ONT BLANC 9 3.1.1 al notes 9 3.1.2 Table of summits 9 3.2 REGION REFERENCE ALPES MÉRIDIONALES 10 3.2.1 al notes 10 3.2.2 Table of summits 10 3.3 REGION REFERENCE COTES-DU-RHONE 11 3.3.1 al notes 11 3.3.2 Table of summits 11 3.4 REGION REFERENCE JURA 12 3.4.1 al notes 12 3.4.2 Table of summits 12 3.5 REGION REFERENCE MASSIF-CENTRAL 13 3.5.1 al notes 13 3.5.2 Table of summits 13 3.6 REGION REFERENCE NORD-OUEST 14 3.6.1 al notes 14 3.6.2 Table of summits 14 3.7 REGION REFERENCE PYRÉNÉES DE L'EST 15 3.7.1 al notes 15 3.7.2 Table of summits 15 3.8 REGION REFERENCE PYRENEES DE L'OUEST 16 3.8.1 al notes 16 3.8.2 Table of summits 16 3.9 REGION REFERENCE SUD-OUEST 17 3.9.1 al notes 17 3.9.2 Table of summits 17 3.10 REGION REFERENCE VAL DE LA LOIRE 18 3.10.1 al notes 18 3.10.2 Table of summits 18 3.11 REGION REFERENCE VOSGES 19 3.11.1 al notes 19 3.11.2 Table of summits 19 4 SOTA FRANCE REGIONS 20 NOTE: Tables of summits are not shown currently in this ARM. To obtain summit data go on-line at http://www.sota.org.uk//f and then click on the region. Page 2 of 20
Change Control Date Version Details 01-Mar-07 1.0 First formal issue of this document 01-Feb-08 1.1 AB region: Deleted summits: F/AB-010, F/AB-030, F/AB-036, F/AB-111, F/AB-116, F/AB-131, F/AB-170, F/AB-187, F/AB-215, F/AB-240, F/AB-302, F/AB-460 Name modif: F/AB-389, F/AB-425 New summits : F/AB-562 à F/AB576 AM region : Deleted summits : F/AM-185, F/AM-318, F/AM -337, F/AM -531, F/AM- 572, F/AM -663 New summits : F/AM-695 à F/AM-745 CR region : Deleted summits : F/CR-001, F/CR-012, F/CR-047, F/CR-049, F/CR- 053, F/CR-084, F/CR-197 Name modif: F/CR-162 JU region: Deleted summits : F/JU-091 Name modif: F/JU-013 New summits : F/JU-110, F/JU-111 MC region: Deleted summits : F/MC-006, F/MC-072, F/MC-111, F/MC-128, F/MC- 153 New summits : F/MC-196 à F/MC-234 NO region: New summits : F/NO-028 à F/NO-045 PE region: Deleted summits : F/PE-011, F/PE-013, F/PE-112, F/PE-130, F/PE-151, F/PE-165, F/PE-178, F/PE-212, F/PE-213, F/PE-218, F/PE-308 New summits : F/PE-327 à F/PE-334 PO region: Deleted summits : F/PO-143 Name modif: F/PO-206 New summits : F/PO-257 à F/PO-271 SO region: New summits : F/SO-003 VL region: New summits : F/VL-020 à F/VL-028 VO region: New summits : F/VO-062 à F/VO-077 Page 3 of 20
NO : Deleted summits : F/NO-002, F/NO-005, F/NO-007, F/NO-010, F/NO- 011, F/NO-012, F/NO-013, F/NO-014, F/NO-015, F/NO-019, F/NO-020, F/NO-027, F/NO-029, F/NO-034, F/NO-039, F/NO- 01-Mar-12 1.2 044, and F/NO-045 AM : Deleted summits : F/AM-330, F/AM-579, F/AM-653, F/AM-656, F/AM-745 VL : 01-Dec-16 1.3 New French SOTA Deleted team appointed. summits : F/VL-025 - Names, callsigns and emails updated - Added thank you for previous team - Summit tables deleted pending a fully update in early 2017 - To find summit data look-up the database on SOTA website http://www.sota.org.uk//f and click on the region. Page 4 of 20
Summits on the Air ARM for France (F) Our sincere thanks are due to several key people who devoted a lot of energy, time and passion to start SOTA in France. In particular, Alain DARVE (F6ENO) and André CANTENER (F5AKL) who came up with a the very first list of more than 2.500 summits in France Lionel KLEIN (F5NEP) who was the French Manager until August 2016 Ghislain BARBASON (F6CEL) for running the www.sota-france.fr web site. Reference Data Commencement date 01 April 2007 s Alpes Mont Blanc (AB-xxx) Alpes Méridionales (AMxxx) Côtes-du-Rhône (CR-xxx) Jura (JU-xxx) Massif-Central (MC -xxx) Nord- Ouest (NO-xxx) Pyrénées de l Est (PE-xxx) Pyrénées de l Ouest (POxxx) Sud-Ouest (SO-xxx) Val de la Loire (VL-xxx) Vosges (VO-xxx) parameters 1 Summit operation criteria Band 1, score 1 point Band 2, score 2 points Band 3, score 4 points Band 4, score 6 points Band 5, score 8 points Band 6, score 10 points Seasonal bonus Bonus rationale Min. height for bonus Bonus period dates sponsored awards Manager Operation must be within 25m vertically of the summit <1000m ASL >=1000m ASL, <1500m ASL >=1500m ASL, <1750m ASL >=1750m ASL, <2000m ASL >=2000m ASL, <2500m ASL >=2500m Yes Winter period with highest probability of sub-zero temperatures and deep snow 3 Points for activations >=1500m ASL 1 December to 15 March inclusive None Robert DUCROUX, F5HTR, f5htr@yahoo.fr Page 5 of 20
Summits on the Air ARM for France (F) 1.1 Programme derivation France SOTA is an extension of similar programmes already active in other countries. The initial list of summits was based on the work of Mark Trengove, Jonathan de Ferranti and Aaron Maizlish as published on their http://www.peaklist.org/ website. Our thanks are due to them for giving their permission to use the data. In a manner similar to the Marilyn programme of Great Britain, it considers the relative height of summits compared to their surroundings and defines a minimum of 150m climb from the surrounding cols in order to qualify. Generally, summits have been allocated to SOTA regions in accordance with the table in section 4. Where a summit is situated on the boundary of two or more different French SOTA regions, it will only be included in one. The Manager reserves the right to deviate from this list where it is considered that to do so would be beneficial to the programme. The summit database is likely to be incomplete because of the large number of potential summits. Activators are asked to submit details of proposed additional summits to the association manager 1 See General Rules for parameter definitions Page 6 of 20
together with any supporting documentation. If the summit meets the SOTA criteria it will be added to the list. Summits cannot be counted for points until a reference number has been allocated by the association manager. The same address should be used for any other proposed amendments. 1.2 General information France has several distinct mountain regions, mostly in the south and east of the country, as well as areas with lesser summits. Many of the higher mountains are extremely challenging, even for experienced climbers, but every region includes a selection of smaller hills that can be easily reached by walking or cycling. 1.3 Rights of way and access issues France has a comprehensive network of long-distance paths or Grandes Randonées (GR) open to the public, well signposted on the ground, and with a wide range of excellent maps available. Some summits do not have public access. In this case, it is essential that the landowner s permission be obtained before attempting activation. 1.4 Maps and navigation The definitive maps for hill walking in France are published by the Institut Géographique National (IGN). They are widely available in shops throughout France, or can be ordered online from the website at http://www.ign.fr/ (in English and German, in addition to French). IGN maps come in all shapes and sizes but the most useful for general mountaineering purposes are the 1:100,000 TOP100 series and the 1:25,000 TOP25 series, both of which are also available on CD-ROM. The TOP100 series covers the entire country in some 74 maps and, at 1cm to 1km, they are excellent for route planning. Although these maps show a reasonable amount of detail, they are too small-scale for serious mountain work. The TOP25 maps are strongly recommended for specific expeditions. The level of detail is significantly greater and includes significant features that are useful for navigation. In most cases each département will comprise two TOP25 maps. Generally, navigation on many of the French summits is not particularly difficult, at least if you stick to the paths and the weather remains fine. It is, however, easy to get disoriented, especially in the more remote areas and during adverse weather conditions. Only the foolhardy will venture there without a compass and the knowledge to use it. A GPS is not an adequate substitute. 1.5 Safety considerations France, especially the south, can be extremely warm in summer, but it is worth remembering that all mountains can still be inhospitable places in inclement weather at any time of year. Mont Blanc in the Alps is the highest mountain in western Europe, and, along with many of its neighbours can be expected to have snow-cover all year round. You should never venture into France s major mountains without walking boots, warm clothing, map and compass, and local advice. Mobile phone coverage in mountainous regions is reasonably good on high ground, particularly near ski resorts. It can be non-existent in remote valleys or on slopes facing away from major areas of population, roads, etc. If you have one, though, it is worth taking it with you. Page 7 of 20
Additionally, during the long hot summers, there is a considerable risk of fire as the natural vegetation dries out. Take care not to start fires, and always be aware of the dangers involved, especially at times of heightened risk. Finally, never underestimate the Mistral. This relentlessly cold wind, often gusting to storm strength, which pours down the Rhône Valley towards Provence, may produce clear blue skies, but it can often be violent enough to knock you off your feet not good on exposed mountain ledges! 1.6 Disclaimer Hiking, hill-walking and rock-climbing are potentially dangerous activities. The SOTA management team and their associates assume no responsibility for accidents. Each participant does so at his or her own risk, and must decide, on the basis of their own ability, whether an objective is achievable. The listing of a summit in the reference does not mean that it is easy to reach, and it is always worth seeking local advice for all but the simplest of expeditions Page 8 of 20
2 Summit Reference Data 2.1 Reference Alpes Mont Blanc Alpes Mont Blanc (AB-xxx) F6HHK, Bruno BALLY, f6hhk_fr@yahoo.fr 2.1.1 al notes The French Alps form the western flank of the great mountain arc of some 800 km that stretches around the northern perimeter of Italy. The French portion of the range includes the highest summit in Western Europe, Mont Blanc at 4808,75m, which gives its name to this SOTA region. Mont Blanc is actually a shared summit, forming part of the frontier with Italy where it is called Monte Bianco. Several other summits in this region are also shared with Italy or Switzerland. Due to the number of summits in the Alps, the range has been split into two SOTA regions, with Isère (38), Savoie (73) and Haute-Savoie (74) comprising the northern (Mont Blanc) group, and the remainder comprising the southern (Méridionales) group. Access to weather forecasts and avalanche warnings for this region can be obtained at - http://www.meteofrance.com/fr/montagne/prevmassif.jsp?lieuid=alpes-nord 2.1.2 Table of summits - Not shown Page 9 of 20
2.2 Reference Alpes Méridionales Alpes Méridionales (AM-xxx) F6HBI Gérald TOSAN gerald.tosan@free.fr 2.2.1 al notes The Alpes Méridionales are composed of a number of massifs, the principal areas are : - the Northern Ecrins, consisting of high summits, difficult to reach and covered with glaciers and year-round snow ; this is the case, for example, with the Pelvoux (3943m) and the wellknown Barre des Ecrins (4102m), the highest summit lying entirely within French territory. - the Eastern Queyras, culminating with the Pic de Rochebrune at at height of 3320m. - the Southern Mercantour, famous for the Vallée des Merveilles (Valley of the Marvels) which is covered in ancient carvings dating back to the Bronze Age. The peak of the Mercantour is at Gélas which reaches 3143m. Access to weather forecasts and avalanche warnings for this region can be obtained at - http://www.meteofrance.com/fr/montagne/prevmassif.jsp?lieuid=alpes-sud 2.2.2 Table of summits - Not shown Page 10 of 20
2.3 Reference Côtes-du-Rhône Côtes-du-Rhône (CR-xxx) F5LKW, Roger DUCROUX, f5lkw@yahoo.fr 2.3.1 al notes Named after a well-known wine-producing area, Côtes-du-Rhône encompasses those départements along the Rhône valley between the Alpes to the east and the Massif Central to the west as it flows south to meet the Mediterranean in a vast delta between Marseille and Montpellier. Despite being much lower than its neighbours, this region does include some significant upland areas. These include the Alpilles near Arles, the Luberon east of Avignon, and, further north, Mont Ventoux, which reaches nearly 2000m and is much visited by the Tour-de- France. 2.3.2 Table of summits - Not shown Page 11 of 20
2.4 Reference Jura Jura (JU-xxx) Robert Ducroux F5HTR f5htr@yahoo.fr 2.4.1 al notes The Jura range begins in eastern France on the northern bank of the River Rhone and then extends northwards along the river, north of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) to the Swiss frontier. It then continues as the boundary line between France and Switzerland in a long arc curving to the north-east, before eventually passing wholly into Switzerland. The limestone of which the Jura is formed is rich in fossils, having been laid down in shallow seas of the Jurassic period. The range was originally mainly forested, even to its lower slopes. Today the upper slopes remain forested (apart from the highest summits which are open grassland) but the action of man has stripped the middle and lower slopes of their forest cover to leave pasture. The effects of glaciation can be seen, particularly on the more steeply scarped southern flanks of the range, but the glaciers have long gone and there is now no permanent snow. The general altitude of the Jura is between 1000m and 1500m, although the range reaches its highest point near the south-western end at Le Crêt de la Neige, which has an altitude of 1718m. Mountain weather forecasts for the Jura can be obtained at - http://www.meteofrance.com/fr/montagne/prevmassif.jsp?lieuid=jura 2.4.2 Table of summits - Not shown Page 12 of 20
2.5 Reference Massif-Central Massif-Central (MC -xxx) F1REI, Frédéric PEYRIN, f1rei@orange.fr 2.5.1 al notes The Massif-Central is the only mountainous region of mainland France that lies wholly within the country. It covers one-sixth of the surface area of France. On the northern side it is bounded by the Paris Basin, on the eastern and southern sides by the Rhône Valley and delta, and by the Aquitaine Basin in the west. It is roughly circular in shape, with an area of around 93000 square km and an average height of 715m. It is the most geologically diverse area of France and also has the most varied climate. The massif is made up of four main areas: The Limousin region lies on the north-western side. This is soft, undulating country of green pasture, ranging in altitude between 300m and 1000m. The Auvergne is the central area containing the majority of the highest summits in the massif. The fertile soil and high rainfall makes the area a region of lush pasture and forest. The Aveyron area lies to the south-west. The waters of the Lot, Aveyron and Tarn flow westwards through this region from the Aubrac mountains. It is an area of deep gorges and valleys with dry plateaux above. The Lozère is the region in the east, and consists of a vast, dry, isolated upland. The massif was raised in the same period as the Pyrenees and Alps. This gave the massif an east-west incline, with the highest areas lying to the east nearer the Rhone Valley. Volcanic activity continued beyond the Tertiary Period until as recently as 8000 years ago. Glaciation further shaped the area into a landscape of ridges and deep valleys. The highest and most prominent summit in the massif is Puy de Sancy in the Auvergne, which has an altitude of 1885m. Weather forecasts for the Massif-Central can be obtained at http://www.meteofrance.com/fr/montagne/prevmassif.jsp?lieuid=massif-central 2.5.2 Table of summits - Not shown Page 13 of 20
2.6 Reference Nord-Ouest Nord-Ouest (NO-xxx) F5UBH, Christophe TOULLEC, f5ubh@orange.fr 2.6.1 al notes Stretching from the Luxembourg frontier to Cape Finisterre in Brittany, this region contains several distinct groups of summits. Along the Belgian border lie the densely-wooded hills and steep river valleys of the Ardennes. Geologically this upland area, which extends through Belgium and Luxembourg, is a continuation of the Eifel mountain range in Germany. Along the coast of the English Channel, and within easy reach of the cross-channel ports, the chalk hills in the Pas-de-Calais and Somme departments provide a duo of undemanding summits. To the south of the meandering River Seine, above the bocage country of Normandy, the hills of the Suisse-Normande are dominated by the 365m summit of Mont Pinçon. Further from the coast the Normandie-Maine Natural Park includes the Mont des Avaloirs which is, at 416m, the highest summit in north-western France. At the western extremity of the region, whilst even further west the Armorique National Parc includes irregular hills of the Monts d Arée. Although they are only 400m high, these hills deserve the name monts the climate is cold in winter, the stony slopes are steep and it is easy to get lost if you leave the footpaths. 2.6.2 Table of summits - Not shown Page 14 of 20
2.7 Reference Pyrénées de l'est Pyrénées de l'est (PE-xxx) F5UKL, André BOURGUET, F5ukl@orange.fr 2.7.1 al notes The Pyrenees, which straddle the Franco-Spanish border and take in the tiny independent state of Andorra, stretch from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in the east to the Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic Ocean in the west. The chain extends in a relatively straight line from east to west to a total distance of 435 km, and reaches a maximum width of about130 km. One-third of the total area of 55374 square km lies within France. The range was extensively glaciated in earlier times, giving rise to impressive glacial valleys and cirques. The glaciers have now nearly gone, but permanent snow can often be found above 1800m (6000 ft) on north-facing slopes, which present much steeper inclines with spectacular torrents called gaves fed by the generous rainfall. Due to the number of summits in the Pyrenees, the range has been split into two SOTA regions. The départements of Hérault (34), Pyrénées Orientales (66), Ariège (09) and Haute Garonne (31) comprise the region of Pyrénées Est. Access to weather forecasts and avalanche warnings for this region can be obtained at - http://www.meteofrance.com/fr/montagne/prevmassif.jsp?lieuid=alpes-sud 2.7.2 Table of summits - Not shown Page 15 of 20
2.8 Reference Pyrénées de l'ouest Pyrénées de l'ouest (PO-xxx) F5UKL, André BOURGUET, F5ukl@orange.fr 2.8.1 al notes The départements of Pyrénées-Atlantiques (64) and Hautes-Pyrénées (65) comprise the region Pyrénées Ouest. Access to weather forecasts and avalanche warnings for this region can be obtained at - http://www.meteofrance.com/fr/montagne/prevmassif.jsp?lieuid=pyrenees-ouest 2.8.2 Table of summits - Not shown Page 16 of 20
2.9 Reference Sud-Ouest Sud-Ouest (SO-xxx) F5HTR, Robert DUCROUX, f5htr@yahoo.fr 2.9.1 al notes Lying west of the Massif-Central, south of the Loire Valley and north of the Pyrenees this is a relatively flat area, and only two summits have yet been identified. 2.9.2 Table of summits - Not shown Page 17 of 20
2.10 Reference Val de la Loire Val de la Loire (VL-xxx) F6FTB Christian GONDARD gondard.christian@orange.fr 2.10.1 al notes This region comprises the departements along both banks of France s longest river. The Loire has a length of just over 1000 km, from its origin in the Cévannes to its eventual meeting with the Bay of Biscay near Saint-Nazaire. It is an area known more for its beautiful châteaux than its summits, but still manages to contain enough to interest SOTA enthusiasts. 2.10.2 Table of summits - Not shown Page 18 of 20
2.11 Reference Vosges Vosges (VO-xxx) F5HTR, Robert DUCROUX, f5htr@yahoo.fr 2.11.1 al notes The Vosges mountains stretch along the west bank of the River Rhine for a distance of 250km. The range is divided into three sections, which are, from south to north: The Grandes Vosges, with an average altitude of around 1100m, include the distinctive rounded summits called ballons. The Central Vosges, with an average altitude of around 900m, have summits which tend to be narrower and more pointed. The Lower Vosges, a plateau with an average altitude of the plateau is around 500m. The lower slopes are now deforested, but higher up there is extensive forest on all but the highest summits, which are open grassland. The western side of the range receives most of the rain/snowfall and has a much lower mean temperature. Vines grow on the eastern flanks of the range up as high as 400m. There is no permanent snow on the range. The range reaches its highest point on Le Grand Ballon de Guebwiller at the southern end of the range, which is 1424m in altitude. Access to weather forecasts for this region can be obtained at - http://www.meteofrance.com/fr/montagne/prevmassif.jsp?lieuid=vosges 2.11.2 Table of summits - Not shown Page 19 of 20
3 SOTA France s