Tests for tourists: symbols part 1

The influx of holiday-makers during French school holidays is obvious both in St Jean de Sixt (excessive tooting, car alarms sounding, drivers not stopping for pedestrians at crossings, general agro) and in the ski stations of La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand (parents condoning kids pushing in queues, families up against other families in ski hire shops as the last bits of equipment go out the door, massive influx of one-piece ski outfits — often worn by non-skiers who seem to think being in a ski resort requires antarctic layering). So, here’s a sign from inside the La Balme télécabine/bubble/gondola. See if you can identify its meaning before scrolling down.

telecabine signHere’s what it could mean.

  1. Don’t wear a business shirt and pants in a ski resort unless you want to look even more out of place than those people trying to fit in (sometimes literally) with their 80s one-piece ski suits.
  2. That goes for your shoes too.
  3. Don’t stand when the cabin is empty.

Of course, if you know the La Balme télécabine, you’d know that there are no seats at all! So, on those days when the cabin is extremely crowded (so, that would be ten less than the ‘allowed’ number, which strikes fear in my heart) and you’re stuck in a position that was comfortable for the first minute but not for the remaining fourteen, with the man next to you breathing foul breath on you, this sign is rather taunting: “Look how much space this man in a suit and business shoes has in his cabin, which has seats, unlike yours, and he’s not even bothered about sitting.” How I’d like to change places with him on those occasions.

By now, you’ve no doubt figured out (or read) that this sign requests that you do not lean against the door. But let’s face it, if you haven’t figured out that you’re wearing the wrong outfit while taking a télécabine to the pistes, you’re probably not going to notice this sign anyway. Consider going home.

More tourist tests soon.

About

I'm a technical author, journalist and writer from Australia who has been living in Europe since 2000 and exploring the world from there. My passions are writing, snow sports and travel.

2 Comments on “Tests for tourists: symbols part 1

  1. This is lovely blog, full of very useful information. This post for tourist is very informative as well as the advice. It is also useful to be aware of the things to do and avoid in France. Thanks

  2. No it’s not, nor is it meant to be. “All things French as seen by an outsider” does not cover “informative”.