The OFFICE DE HAUTE ET MOYENNE MONTAGNE (OHM) was set up by the Chamonix guide Gérard Dévouassoux. Following a particularly distressing mountaineering season in 1971, people wanted to find a solution, which would preserve freedom but also would limit and reduce mountain accidents.

HOW THE OHM WORKS? 

►Gathering information

The OHM team maintains close relations with mountaineers hikers, hut wardens, rescuers, and all mountain workers in order to provide up to date information. The following are examples of information given out on a daily basis by our team:


• Quality and practicability of itineraries
• Time required in order to get the best conditions
• Technical level required
• Condition of the huts
• Lift information


The Peloton de Gendarmerie de Haute-Montagne (mountain rescue service) is involved with the project and delegates a rescuer to attend the OHM each afternoon for the two summer months.

Climbers with no contacts in the valley can complete a route note before their departure in which they give their itinerary and the day and time of their return.

The OHM is a meeting place for mountaineers and hikers who are invited to leave their comments and impressions in the route notebook in order to maintain the continuity of this important chain of information.

►Distributing information
 

The OHM team welcomes mountaineers and hikers all year round and provides them with up to date information.

Guidebooks, books, magazines, maps and videos are available to visitors who can also check their itinerary on a 1/10 000 relief map.

The present website takes over outside office hours and amongst other things offers an on line route notebook.

►Responsabilities of people engaging in mountain activities

Mountaineers are free to follow or not follow the advice given. But it is necessary to draw everyone attention to the responsibility and consequences of their own actions. Mountaineers and hikers are advised to take out an insurance policy covering possible rescue costs.

The OHM is a member of the FFME and can provide annual or temporary policies.

THE OHM WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL THOSE COMING TO CHAMONIX FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD A GOOD TIME ON THEIR ROUTES.