9th February 2026
When winter blankets the Alps in snow, the mountains offer a spectacular setting that attracts more and more enthusiasts each year: snowshoeing, ski touring, Nordic skiing… Yet, behind this apparent tranquility lies a critical period for wildlife. The cold, the scarcity of food, and the depth of the snow transform winter into a true test of survival.
In this context, human presence can have far greater consequences than one might imagine. Through the case of the bearded vulture and du black grouse In particular, let us explore through this article the challenges of winter in the mountains and the behaviors to adopt to practice while limiting its impact.
In winter, mountain animals constantly struggle to conserve energy
At high altitudes, winter lasts several months. Sub-zero temperatures, prolonged snow cover, and limited access to food force animals to adopt highly sophisticated survival strategies. The rule is simple: save every calorie.
The alpine ungulates (Chamois, ibex, red deer, roe deer) slow their metabolism, limit their movements, and gather in sheltered, sunny areas (southern slopes, forests, rocky outcrops). Each unnecessary escape represents a significant energy expenditure. Repeated disturbance can lead to progressive weight loss, making the animals more vulnerable to disease, accidents, and late-winter mortality.
An animal that runs away is not a "healthy" animal: it is often an animal in distress.
The bearded vulture: a giant of the sky highly sensitive to disturbance
With its impressive size, the bearded vulture has become a symbol of the return of biodiversity to the Alps. Yet, this species remains fragile.
Unlike many birds, the bearded vulture begins its breeding season in the middle of winterThe pairs nest on steep cliffs, often frequented by ski tourers, mountaineers, or paragliders. Repeated disturbance near the nest can cause the brood to be abandoned.
To limit these impacts, Major Sensitivity Zones (MSZs) These zones, temporary or permanent, are set up around nesting sites to ensure the tranquility necessary for reproductive success.
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The black grouse: surviving hidden under the snow
More discreet but just as iconic, the black grouse is one of the species most sensitive to winter disturbance. In winter, it adopts an astonishing strategy: it burrows under the snow in an "igloo" to protect itself from the cold and predators.
When a skier or snowshoer passes nearby, the bird may be forced to take flight abruptly. This flight causes intense stress and sometimes fatal energy expenditure, especially at the end of winter when reserves are depleted.
To protect the species, quiet zones are being implemented in key areas. Even if the bird is invisible, the disturbance can be very real.
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A non-exhaustive overview of winter wildlife protection areas
Winter mountaineering: an impact to be controlled
Outdoor sports are not incompatible with wildlife conservation, provided that the right habits are adopted.
The disturbances are often unintentional: tracks left off-trail, repeated passages along forest edges, crossings of refuge areas. Yet, a few adjustments are enough to significantly reduce the impact.
The right reflexes of a responsible practitioner
Before the release
- Find out about quiet zones and ZSMs
- Plan your route in advance
- Consult the wildlife maps: biodiv-sports.fr
In the field
- Stay on marked or recommended routes
- Avoid dense forests and sunny slopes frequented by wildlife
- Keep your distance from the animals being observed.
- Never follow or surround an animal
- Keep dogs on a leash
To be avoided absolutely
- Cut through wood
- Crossing a restricted area, even "quickly"
- Try to observe or photograph the wildlife up close
Local initiatives to reconcile nature and leisure
The protection of alpine wildlife relies on close collaboration between parks, naturalist associations, local authorities et tourism stakeholders.
ZSMs, quiet zones, on-site signage, interactive maps and awareness campaigns now make it possible to better reconcile sporting activities and the preservation of living things.
These measures are only effective if they are known and respected. As a participant, staying informed becomes an act of protection in itself.
A mountain to share with the living world
Experiencing the mountains in winter is a privilege. But it's also a responsibility. In a context of climate change and increasing pressure on natural environments, every disturbance counts.
Respecting winter wildlife is not about giving up on adventure: it's about choosing a quieter, more respectful and sustainable mountain.
The best trace we can leave in winter is one that doesn't bother anyone.
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