Winter Wildlife in Chatel

The mountains around Châtel are home to some of the most spectacular wildlife in the French Alps. While most visitors come for the skiing, many are surprised to discover that the surrounding forests, cliffs and alpine meadows support an incredible variety of wild animals and birds.

Whether you’re enjoying a gentle walk, skiing a quiet piste or exploring the mountains on snowshoes, keep your eyes open—you may be sharing the mountains with some remarkable wildlife.

Mont de Grange Nature Reserve
One of Châtel’s greatest natural treasures is the Mont de Grange Nature Reserve (Réserve Naturelle du Mont de Grange).
Covering more than 3,000 hectares, it is the largest nature reserve in Haute-Savoie and protects one of the richest mountain ecosystems in the region.
The reserve stretches across forests, alpine pastures, rocky cliffs and high mountain ridges, providing a safe habitat for many iconic Alpine species.
For nature lovers, it’s one of the best places in the Portes du Soleil to experience the Alps as they have existed for centuries.

Alpine Ibex
The majestic Alpine Ibex is undoubtedly one of the stars of the mountains.
Recognisable by their enormous curved horns, these incredible animals were once close to extinction but have made an impressive comeback across the Alps.
During the summer months they are often spotted on rocky ridges high above Châtel, while in winter they sometimes descend to lower elevations in search of food.
Watching an ibex effortlessly climb seemingly impossible cliffs is a remarkable sight.

Chamois
Perhaps the animal you’re most likely to encounter is the Chamois.
These agile mountain goats are perfectly adapted to life on steep alpine slopes and can often be seen early in the morning or late in the afternoon grazing on open hillsides.
They are incredibly fast and can leap across rocky terrain with astonishing ease.
If you’re skiing quieter areas of the mountain, it’s not unusual to spot a small group watching from a safe distance.

Marmots
Although they hibernate during the winter, Alpine Marmots become one of Châtel’s most entertaining residents during the warmer months.
Listen carefully and you’ll often hear their distinctive whistle echoing across the mountains as they warn each other of approaching danger.
Children especially love trying to spot these curious animals as they dart between their burrows.

Golden Eagles
Look to the skies and you may be lucky enough to see a Golden Eagle soaring above the valleys.
With wingspans reaching over two metres, they are one of Europe’s largest birds of prey and an unforgettable sight against the backdrop of the Alps.

Bearded Vultures
One of the Alps’ greatest conservation success stories is the return of the Bearded Vulture.
These enormous birds were successfully reintroduced to the Alpine region and are now occasionally seen gliding above the mountains around Haute-Savoie.
With a wingspan approaching three metres, they are one of Europe’s most impressive birds.

Deer & Roe Deer
The forests surrounding Châtel are home to both Red Deer and Roe Deer.
They tend to remain hidden during the day but are often spotted early in the morning or at dusk, particularly around the quieter woodland areas surrounding the village.

Foxes
The Red Fox is another regular resident of Châtel.
Although naturally shy, foxes occasionally wander close to the village during quieter periods, particularly in the early morning or evening.

Mountain Hares
Well adapted to snowy conditions, the Mountain Hare changes its coat during the winter, providing excellent camouflage against the snow-covered landscape.
They can sometimes be seen crossing quieter pistes or woodland clearings.

Alpine Birds
The forests around Châtel are also home to a wide variety of birdlife including:

Great Spotted Woodpeckers
Nutcrackers
Black Grouse
Ptarmigan
Tawny Owls
Buzzards
Peregrine Falcons

For keen birdwatchers, the area offers outstanding opportunities throughout the year.

Our Tip
One of the best ways to experience the mountains and look for wildlife is with a local snowshoe guide. They’ll take you away from the ski lifts and busy pistes to discover hidden forests, frozen streams and breathtaking viewpoints that many visitors never see.