La Bourgeoise: snowshoeing in Samoëns

4 points of interest

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  Flora

  Winter vegetation serving as shelter

  Open spaces in the subalpine zone are home to a variety of species adapted to winter conditions, all of which play a crucial role. The evergreen spruce needles provide shelter for wildlife, the wet alder forests are refuges for birds and small mammals, and the rose hips and rowan berries are essential sources of food. Microhabitats such as hollow trees and tufts of low vegetation are ideal for resting and providing protection from predators and bad weather.

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  Fauna

  The Crested Tit

  It is a small forest bird (passerine) that often lives in the company of its fellow species, such as the Black-capped Chickadee or the Willow tit, since they all share the same habitats. This bird's presence is associated with the existence of old trees, either dead or aging, also known as ‘senescent wood’. It is a feisty little ball of energy, constantly on the move and recognisable by its crested head. It feeds on small insects, larvae and spiders, as well as conifer seeds.

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  Flora

  The Rosehip

  These red or orange berries are known as rosehips, they are the fruits of a wild rose. They were once rumoured to contain poison but not to worry: it’s just old wives’ tales. To take advantage of their medicinal properties (vitamin C, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant), they can be eaten fresh or as part of a hot herbal brew. Make sure that these stinging hairs are removed before making your own brew though! Ideally, they should be picked as soon as the first frost sets in. The fleshy floral receptacle is not considered to be a part of the fruit. In the wild, remember to not pick more of these flowers than you need, because this plant is an essential food source for wildlife.

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  Fauna

  Black grouse survival in winter

  An icon of the mountains, this ‘little heather rooster’ is an endangered species. In the thick of winter, black grouse dig igloos on the edge of forests or woodlands, sheltering themselves from the cold and predators. They keep their movements to a minimum, only moving when they need to find food. This is how they spend the winter. A small thing such as a new narrow footpath or a small sound echoed next to their igloo threatens their survival. Such disturbance weakens them, makes them vulnerable... and jeopardises their ability to reproduce. If you come across a quiet area, avoid the marked boundary when travelling on skis or snowshoes.