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The French Alps, a mountainous range that extends to Switzerland and Italy, makes for superb skiing territory. While skiing might be the principal activity of many visitors to the area, this place also home to a gloriously diverse flora and fauna that nature lovers can witness right by their doorstep. Just outside your chalet, Alpe d’Huez promises a breath-taking glimpse of local wildlife. Read on to find out more. Geology and Scenery The very origins of the Alps date back approximately 500 million years, when the Tethys Sea facilitated the formation of such rocks as marble, granite and limestone. Fast-forwarding to the past 50 million years, tectonic plates caused a shift that drained the sea and raised the rocks to create the mountains that exist today. Now, the Alps have a reach of over 1200km, from Nice to Vienna. They are the highest mountains in Europe, and the highest point reaches 4807m above sea level. Small Mammals A number of mammals accustomed to living in these high altitude conditions can be found during your getaway. Stoats, small carnivorous mammals, live among stones and are typically found in Alpine villages, perhaps even near your chalet! Alpe d’Huez is certainly no strange territory for stoats, and when summer comes around, their white winter coats transition to a reddish brown colour. Ibex often roam around the common walking and hiking spots in the area. The Apline Ibex is a breed of wild goat which has large curved horns, sometimes measuring up to a metre long – for this reason, they aren’t tricky to spot! Birds of Prey Golden eagles are not uncommon in these areas, regularly flying across the valley. Breeding pairs become mates for life and generally rear their offspring on the inaccessible sides of cliff faces. Bring your camera and you might be able to take a snap of these impressive creatures. Flora and Vegetation This corner of the world experiences adverse conditions, shifting between different temperatures and seasons, therefore the flora and vegetation that grow here are those that are capable of surviving such a climate. Conifer forests cover large expanses of the area with fir, spruce and pine trees. However, you may also come across many beech, birches, willows and maples among a number of other deciduous trees. Where to Stay To start off this adventure surrounded by nature, the best recommendation is staying in a chalet. Alpe d’Huez has a number of options catering to different requirements, so choosing which is best for you should be easy. When staying in a chalet, Alpe d’Huez becomes an amazingly accessible getaway where you can make the most of all the attractions and activities on offer. Alpe D’Huez is a stunning area of the Alps where nature lovers can explore all variations of flora, fauna and wildlife. Author Plate Tim Heal is the founder of Chaletline, a travel agency offering catered chalet accommodation in worldwide ski resorts. With an extensive knowledge of resorts and excellent post booking care, they pride themselves on the personal touch they offer to each and every client. If you're looking for a chalet, Alpe d’Huez is just one of the superb ski resorts in which they can quickly and efficiently match you with the perfect accommodation. Catering for individuals, couples and groups up to 50, the knowledgeable Chaletline team will help you choose the right chalet in the right resort.
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