Granges loop: snowshoe Vallorcine

Many animals adapt their behaviour during the winter by hibenating or overwintering. Insects and birds, for example, hibernate. The marmot is known to hibernate. From the end of September, it takes refuge in its burrow and sleeps soundly until April. During this hibernation period, it is in a "comatose state": its heart beats 5 times per minute and its temperature drops to around 10 Celsius (the temperature may somewhat vary, depending on the ground temperature). Overwintering = spending the winter in a sheltered hideout Hibernation = spending the winter sleeping

Larch forest is an ecosystem with high biodiversity and one of the best refuges for mountain animals. Larch is the only conifer in Europe to shed its needles! They turn yellow and fall off in autumn. These needles are essential for the soil and the ecosystem: once transformed into humus, they facilitate the growth of other plant species. In spring, new flexible needles grow back in a form of a bouquet.

The brown European hare lives in forests. The mountain hare, known as the "white coat", lives in the upper part of the forest and in the mountain pastures. Like rabbits, these mammals are lagomorphs and can be distinguished by the length of their ears. The brown hare has longer ears and a more slender shape. The hare's coat changes with the seasons to blend in better and hide from predators. The white coat hare is a nocturnal animal, building shelters under the snow so as to sleep during the day. Please ensure that you stay on the trail at all times, as you could accidentally trample its hideout!

During the harsh winter conditions, animals have no other choice than trying to survive, one day at a time. Our presence on their territory will obviously disturb them, and even frighten them; so let's try to minimize this disturbance: - Stop and wait quietly untill the animal goes away. - Do not shout or make sudden movements which would stress the animal even more. - Do not try to approach it nor follow it.