Balcon de Sixt : snowshoeing in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
Balcon de Sixt : snowshoeing in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
Medium
3h
5,3km
+286m
-286m
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Learn how to protect wildlife in winter
4 points of interest
Liste rouge UICN - Libre de droit 
FaunaStatus of a species: protected or threatened?
The Red List, compiled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), provides a worldwide overview of the state of biodiversity. The red list assesses the risk of extinction of threatened species using criteria based on its population size and spread, as well as animal and plant population trends. However, there is a difference between this classification and the legal protection of the species. A protected species is not necessarily rare, like the red squirrel, for example, which is fairly common in French forests. This status means that it cannot be hunted or captured, just like hedgehogs, bats, lynxes, wolves, etc. Furthermore, some protected species can still be hunted, for example the black grouse. To find out the protection status of a species, visit the INPN (National Inventory of Natural Heritage) website. A protected species is an endangered species that is subject to a conservation order, as defined in article R 411-1 of the French Environment Code, which prohibits the killing, capturing, moving, disturbing, trafficking or selling of specimens of a protected species
Gélinotte des bois - @geoffreygarcel FaunaThe Hazel Grouse
It is the smallest and most elusive of the mountain galliform bird species. It is much less well known than its relatives because it is exclusively a forest-dwelling species, but it is still very important: the presence of this bird serves as an indicator of environmental change. Rarely venturing outside the forest canopy, it thrives in a variety of coniferous, deciduous and shrubby forests, where it feasts on the catkins and berries of certain trees... Proper forest management is therefore essential to its survival. When temperatures drop to a low level and there is sufficient snow, the grouse protects itself by burying under the snow and creates shelter that is akin to an igloo. Several morphological and anatomical features (its feathers, toes, digestive system and nostrils) enable it to withstand temperatures as low as -45°C.
Empreintes - @julietteBuret FaunaHow to identify animal tracks ?
Snowy wintertime is the ideal time for spotting animal tracks. Animal tracks serve as an endless information trove about life in the mountains. You can become a real detective when you come across one! A wide range of information can be collected, including: - Whether the animal is a plantigrade (if the sole of the foot can be seen, e.g. a bear), digitigrade (if the toes can be seen, e.g. a fox) or unguligrade (if hooves can be seen, e.g. a wild boar);- You can infer the family of the species and even the species itself if you are more experienced;- The approximate age of the animal: depending on the size of the print;- the trajectory the footprints follow;- the way the animal moved (jumping, running, walking, etc.);- the number of specimens;- the approximate age of the track. It's up to you to figure out the story behind the next track you come across!
cyle de vie d'une abeille - @Asters-CEN74 FaunaWhere do all the insects go during winter?
Like a chrysalis tucked up against a branch in the ground or under a bark, winter is the time when insects survive as eggs, larvae or pupae. This winter period is known as diapause. Invertebrates such as insects, molluscs, earthworms and others are ectothermic animals, meaning that they cannot produce their own body heat. With no food available and no ability to regulate their body temperature, they have to rely on the environment for warmth. Since many invertebrate species inhabit high altitudes, they survive by adapting to winter conditions.
Description
Starting from the Maison de la Réserve, in the centre of the village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval : Head towards the school, then follow the left bank of the Giffre to a bridge. Cross the Giffre, turn left and follow the main road for 350m. Cross the road in front of an oratory. The Chemin à Chico route begins through a beautiful forest. There is a a plethora of stunning viewpoints: overhead view over the village of Sixt-fer-à-cheval, the Pointe de Sales and a variety of ridges along the trail (Pointe de Ressachat, Tête de Grenier, Pointe Rousse) up to an altitude of 1023 metres where you can enjoy a lovely view of the Tenneverge and Le Grenier de la Commune. The trail then descends to the hamlet of Le Crot and then; to Les Curtets. Follow the main road to the right for 100 metres, cross the Vivier bridge and then the village of the same name. After the cemetery, before a bridge over the Giffre, take a path on the left that leads to the town hall. Continue straight on until you reach the Maison de la Réserve.
- Departure : Maison de la réserve in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
- Arrival : Maison de la réserve in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
- Towns crossed : Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
Altimetric profile
Sensitive areas
Along your trek, you will go through sensitive areas related to the presence of a specific species or environment. In these areas, an appropriate behaviour allows to contribute to their preservation. For detailed information, specific forms are accessible for each area.
- Impacted practices:
- Aerial, , Land, Vertical
- Contact:
- Asters - Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Haute Savoie
contact@cen-haute-savoie.org
Recommandations
Be careful and plan ahead when hiking. Asters CEN-74 cannot be held responsible for any accident or inconvenience that may occur on this trail.
Access and parking
Parking :
Place de la gare' parking area, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval
Report a problem or an error
If you have found an error on this page or if you have noticed any problems during your hike, please report them to us here:
