Les Prés refuge : Snowshoeing and ski touring in Les Contamines Monjoie

White in winter and with brown backs and beige bellies in summer, stoats have black tail tips all year round. Often confused with the common weasel, the stoat differs in size. It is larger (17 to 33 cm) and has a two-coloured tail. A carnivore, its favourite prey are voles. Stoats are vivacious and playful. The Stoat often moves in leaps of up to 50 centimetres in height, covering great distances for its size of up to 15 km.

The new Les Prés Refuge was built at an altitude of 1935m at the foot of the Aiguille de la Cicle (2552m), ideally situated in the heart of the nature reserve and right next to the hiking trails. This former mountain pasture farmhouse was restored in 2020 at the initiative of the Compagnie des Guides de Saint-Gervais-Contamines. This refuge is one of the few to be manned for more than 7 months of the year, including winter.

Animals are in survival mode during the winter. Disturbing them because of our actions (skiing, snowshoeing) weakens them, jeopardises their reproductive capacity and makes them vulnerable to disease. Fleeing can cost them their lives by draining all their energy. To protect themselves from the cold and predators, black grouse will take refuge in a hole under the snow called an "iglo" near the edge of a forest or in lightly wooded areas. For its protection, we should respect its designated wintering areas!

Wildlife is most vulnerable during winter. At this time of year, the cold and lack of food forces animals to conserve their energy and shelter in dens for overwintering. As animals flee from constant disturbance, they expend a great deal of energy that can negatively affect their chances of survival. Let's help animals get through the winter by giving them some space: - Choose non-wooded areas for your hikes - Don't tread new trails (don’t step off the existing trails) - Avoid quiet areas