Protecting flora and fauna
A concrete commitment to biodiversity
Targeted actions 💡Protecting flora and fauna at Val Cenis is part of a sustainable and collaborative approach. In partnership with the Vanoise National Park, the resort strives to reduce the impact of human activities on the environment.
Thanks to the European project Birdskiproject, Val Cenis is one of three pilot resorts committed to protecting the black grouse, an emblematic species of the Alps. The project is based on three major actions:
- Creation of quiet zones: These protected areas enable black grouse to rest and feed in winter, undisturbed by skiers or hikers.
- Infrastructure equipment: Some lift cables are equipped to prevent collisions with birds.
- Scientific evaluation: The actions undertaken are monitored and analyzed to measure their impact and adjust practices if necessary.
These initiatives are not limited to the Val Cenis ski area: at the end of the three-year project, the lessons learned will benefit all resorts in the French Alps.
Important
It's also worth remembering that off-piste skiing or unsupervised hiking can not only disturb black grouse, but can also be dangerous and compromise conservation efforts in the area. Respecting these zones means actively contributing to the protection of alpine biodiversity, while enjoying the many other vast and accessible parts of the ski area.
Protecting black grouse habitat
For a peaceful winter 🐦Among protected species, the black grouse occupies a special place. This remarkable bird, whose males are distinguished by their red wattles and lyre-shaped tails, is an emblematic figure of the Alps. However, its populations are in decline, mainly due to winter human disturbanceHowever, their populations are in decline, mainly due to winter disturbances such as skiing and snowshoeing, which compromise their energy balance and survival.
In winter, black grouse adopt a unique survival strategy. To cope with the intense cold and lack of food, it takes refuge under a thick layer of snow, where it finds thermal insulation to reduce its energy expenditure. This behavior, known as "snow igloo", is crucial to its survival. However, when disturbed by skiers or snowshoers passing through sensitive areas, the bird is forced to leave its shelter and fly away.
Each flight is a considerable expenditure of energy, already limited by winter resources. If these disturbances are repeated frequently, they can weaken the animal, reduce its ability to withstand the winter, and sometimes even kill it.
In partnership with the Vanoise National Park, Val Cenis has defined specific zones within its ski area to protect this fragile bird. to protect this fragile bird. These areas are essential for the black grouse to rest and feed in complete tranquillity. Visitors are invited to respect these clearly marked areas, in order to preserve this vital balance.
Find out more about the flora and fauna in Haute Maurienne Vanoise
Val Cenis ski area environmental observatory
Since 2014, the Val Cenis ski area has been equipped with an Environmental Observatory.
Its aim? To better understand and thus better preserve the resort's exceptional natural heritage. This observatory is run by a consultancy firm, which takes an annual inventory of local biodiversity in terms of fauna, flora and landscapes.
The objectives of the observatory are as follows:
- A global vision of the environmental sensitivities of the ski area
- Locating issues in the ski area
- Anticipate the environmental impact of future developments in the ski area (avoid, reduce, compensate)
- Monitor the effectiveness of environmental actions implemented
Ski area energy management
A 100% electric snow groomer
