An inquiry by the Cour des Comptes has recommended "better measuring the effectiveness and costs of mountain rescue", raising the prospect that those whose "risky behaviour" leads to emergency call-outs may be billed.

According to the watchdog, 17 per cent of people rescued in 2024 were foreign nationals. It noted that countries such as Austria, Germany and Switzerland often invoice foreign visitors following mountain rescues.

Under the proposals, French citizens who fail to observe safety rules could also be required to reimburse emergency services.

At present, mountain rescue operations in France are largely funded by the state, with the exception of certain ski resort-based interventions.

The court suggested "clarifying the conditions for using helicopters and initiating changes to the regulatory framework to allow, where appropriate, for billing of interventions and more effective penalties for risky behaviour and misuse of rescue services".

Helicopter rescues are among the most expensive elements of the system, costing an estimated €10,780 per intervention in 2024. The Cour des Comptes calculated that total spending on mountain rescue services reached nearly €107 million last year, representing a 55 per cent increase since 2012.

The proposals have sparked debate among mountain professionals, many of whom argue that rescue services should remain free at the point of use.

Yannick Vallençant, head of the SIM union representing mountain guides, said: "Why should mountain sports enthusiasts be treated any differently from people who have road accidents? Why question the principle of free mountain rescues when there are many more victims of drowning? And what about health problems caused by smoking? Smokers aren’t forced to take out insurance to continue smoking."

He added: "We shouldn’t forget that holidaymakers from across the country go hiking in the mountains. It’s not just a few from the elite. Mountain rescues only cost each French citizen €1.50 a year."