Making the most of the mountains in summer: our tips for a responsible adventure in La Rosière
But the mountains have their own rules, which are often different from those in the city or even in winter resorts. Knowing them well means making the most of every outing and helping to preserve what makes this environment so unique.
Preparing for your outing: safety starts before you set off
In the mountains, there’s little room for improvisation. Before every hike, a few simple habits can make all the difference.
Check the weather. At altitudes above 1,800 metres, the weather can change in a matter of hours. A sunny morning is no guarantee of a mild afternoon. Check the local forecast the day before and on the morning of your hike, and don’t hesitate to cut your trip short or postpone it if thunderstorms are forecast. The mountains will still be there tomorrow.
Pack the right gear. A pair of hiking boots with lugged soles, layers of clothing (even in July, a windproof jacket is essential), high-factor sun cream, and plenty of water (allow around 500 ml per hour of exertion). A topographical map or an offline app is always better than an unreliable mobile connection at high altitude.
Let someone know. Tell your friends and family which route you plan to take and what time you expect to be back. It’s a simple precaution, often overlooked, but one that can prove crucial.
Know your limits. The elevation changes in the mountains are unlike anything you’ll experience on flat ground. It’s better to choose a route suited to your ability and gradually increase the distance, rather than finding yourself in difficulty far from the nearest mountain hut. The La Rosière Guides’ Office can accompany you or advise you on the outings best suited to your preferences and fitness level.
On the trails: behaving responsibly
Once your rucksack is packed and your boots laced up, the mountains also require you to be mindful of your behaviour.
Stay on the marked trails. The routes are marked for a reason: they protect both walkers and the vegetation. Straying from them can damage alpine grasslands that take decades to recover or expose you to unstable areas outside the safe routes.
Respect the wildlife. Marmots, chamois, ibex… La Rosière’s wildlife is one of the region’s greatest treasures. Keep your distance, avoid shouting or sudden movements, and never feed the animals, even if the temptation is great. Getting them used to human presence exposes them to real dangers.
Keep your dogs under control. During the summer months, the mountain pastures are home to herds. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times near livestock and ‘patous’ (guard dogs), which are carrying out their duties and may react strongly to an intruder.
Leave the mountains as you found them. An alpine flower picked is a flower that will not reseed itself. Stones that have been moved destroy a shelter for a salamander or a lizard. These small actions, repeated by thousands of visitors, have lasting effects on fragile ecosystems.
Zero waste: the ‘Leave No Trace’ principle
The rule is simple: everything that goes into your rucksack must come back down with you. Even organic waste (fruit peel, cores) decomposes very slowly at high altitudes and disrupts the natural balance of the soil. Make sure you pack a dedicated waste bag in your rucksack.
The same applies to toilet paper and sanitary waste, which are often left by the side of the trail. At high altitudes, it can take years for them to break down. It’s better to be prepared.
Super Cleaners’ Day 2026
In an emergency
If you witness an accident or find yourself in difficulty, dial 15 (SAMU), 18 (fire brigade) or 112 (European emergency number). State your location as precisely as possible, including the name of the trail, a landmark and your approximate altitude. In areas with poor mobile coverage, find a higher vantage point to get a signal, or send a text message (which is sometimes more reliable than a call).
The mountains: a shared space
Ultimately, behaving responsibly in the mountains means, above all, understanding that we are guests in a space that existed long before we arrived, and which must be able to welcome those who come after us. La Rosière, with its mountain pastures, its pass, and its panoramic views of Mont Blanc, is a living heritage. Respecting it is also the best way to continue enjoying it.
Enjoy your hike.
At the first signs (the sky darkening, the wind picking up, distant rumbling), head straight down to low-lying ground. Avoid ridges, isolated trees, and bodies of water. If you cannot take shelter, crouch down on your heels with your feet together, well away from any metal objects.
Yes, but with a few precautions. Where there are herds and guard dogs (patous), your dog must be kept on a leash at all times. Check which paths are used by herds during the summer grazing season before setting off.
Everything you take up the mountain comes back down with you, including organic waste (fruit peel, cores), which decomposes very slowly at high altitudes. Make sure you pack a separate bag for this in your rucksack.