USEFUL INFO

Logs for FireFeel free to browse this area for additional information that may or may not be useful to you.

Weather

The mountain environment is one to be respected.  Altitude, aspect, cloud cover and wind direction and strength can mean that conditions change very quickly as you cover ground in the mountains.  It is important to remember that for every 1,000m of ascent the temperature drops 6°C. So, just jumping on ski lifts, the weather can change fast.   Wind chill is a big factor too.

Avalanche awareness:

In France the risk of avalanche is assessed on a five-level scale. Flags indicating the level of risk are used on ski slopes and especially on their limits with the off-piste slopes. It is more a precaution and information measure than an operational action.

Check these out every day, even if you are planning to stay on the piste.
Local ViewAll yellow flag:
1/5 - Low  
2/5 - Moderate

Yellow and black chequered flag:
3/5 - Considerable
4/5 – High
 
All black flag:
5/5 - Very High

Passports and visas

Nationals of EU countries need a full, valid passport to visit France.

Healthcare

As well as your holiday travel insurance, British nationals (and visitors from other EEA countries or Switzerland) are advised to carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This has replaced the old E111 form. The EHIC form entitles you to reduced-cost (sometimes free) medical treatment if needed whilst in France. EHIC application forms can be obtained from your local Post Office (in the UK), forms are also available to download from the Department of Health's website www.dh.gov.uk
No vaccinations are needed for travel to France.

 

Currency and exchange

  • Banks are open from 9am to midday, and between 2pm and 4pm and are closed all day either Saturday or Monday and all day Sunday.
  • Most cash machines accept UK bank cash cards. There are many cash-point machines in Bourg d´Oisans.
  • Transactions using a debit card require you to enter your PIN number into a keypad.
  • Banks, Post Offices and official exchange bureaus will change foreign currency and travelers cheques. Post Offices are open from Monday to Friday and until midday on Saturdays.
  • Most major credit cards (Visa, Barclaycard, Carte Bleue, Mastercard, Access, etc.) are widely accepted.

Telephones

  • Telephone kiosks take phone cards (Telecartes) which are available in various denominations from Post Offices, tobacconists and newsagents. Some phone kiosks also accept credit cards. Calls can be received at phone boxes showing a blue bell sign. There is a telephone box in le Rivier d'Ornon.
  • The code for the UK is 00 44 and then remove the first 0 from the number you are dialing.
  • Mobile phone reception can be patchy in mountainous areas, and our valley is no exception. You may need to arrange ‘international roaming´ with your service provider before you leave the UK.

Time difference

France is one hour ahead of prevailing British time, all year round.

Electricity

  • France runs on220V at 50Hz AC, meaning that all UK appliances will work with the help of an adapter.
  • Plugs in France have 2 round pins. Adapterscan be bought in some shops although it is generally cheaper and easier to purchase these in the UK.

Metric Conversions

  • To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit , multiply by 1.8 and add 32. To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 and divide by 1.8
  • To convert miles to kilometres multiply by 1.61
  • To convert feet to metres multiply by 3.048

French public holidays 2010

1 st January New Years Day
12 th April Easter Sunday
13 th April Easter Monday
1 st May Labour Day/Fete du Travail
8 th May Liberation Day/Fete de la Liberation
21 st May Ascension Day/l'Ascencion
21 st June Fete de la Musique - not a public holiday, but a celebration of music
marked by free concerts, street music and open air concerts.
14 th July Bastille Day/Fete National
15 th August Assumption day/ l´Assomption
1 st November All Saints Day/Toussaint
11 th November Remembrance Day/Jour d'armistice
25 th December Christmas day/Noel