Consulate issues ski safety tips

BRITISH nationals heading to France's ski resorts this winter have been reminded of the basic safety measures they should take in a new awareness campaign by the British consulate.

It is part of a wider campaign by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office encouraging Britons to prepare their trip well.

Last winter, the consulate in Marseille intervened in 13 cases of British nationals being killed or seriously injured during a French ski trip.

Tips include taking out insurance, having a medical check-up before the trip, knowing your skiing limits and avoiding alcohol.
The British consul for southern France, Simon Taylor, said: "We’ve been working closely with tourist offices and town halls, and also with the ski companies out here and we’ve also been speaking to the Gendarmerie Mountain Rescue Team and sharing good practice.

"In the run up to Christmas and the start of the winter sports season, we’ll be holding more meetings in the ski resorts to meet the tour operators, seasonal workers and local authorities, and make them aware of our top tips. We’ll also be distributing stocks of flyers specifically aimed at the British skiing community, detailing our top tips.

"We hope to make as many people as possible aware of the specific dangers in the Alps so that their trip remains fun and trouble-free."

The international emergency services number on your mobile phone is 112 and the Marseille consulate can be reached on 04 91 15 72 10.