The bearded vulturein Val d'Isère
The bearded vulture in Val d'Isèreits home of 30 years
A bird of preylike no other
Contrary to popular belief, the bearded vulture is not a predator but a specialised scavenger; it feeds almost exclusively on the bones of animals that have died of natural causes or been killed by predators. Before eating the bones it cracks them by dropping them from the sky, a technique employed by no other creature.
The bearded vulture is a rare and protected species. After disappearing from the Alps for a long time, it has made a remarkable comeback thanks to various reintroduction programmes and to the vigilance of an entire community. Nowadays, Val d’Isère is one of the mountainous regions where its presence is the most regular and enduring.
An epic storythat began in the 1990s
The first regular sightings of bearded vultures in Val d’Isère were in the early 1990s. The rock faces and natural resources of this region quickly proved to be the ideal habitat, especially with the tranquility that reigns here.
Between 1990 and 1997, they began to nest in eyries left by eagles. In 1995, an emblematic female, named Marie-Antoinette, was identified by her red ring. A major breakthrough was made in 2002 when, for the first time ever, a young bearded vulture born in the Savoie wilderness flew the nest. Freeride, as it was named, made history.
Since the bearded vulture returned to Val d’Isère, 20 hatchings have been recorded in the municipality and 16 chicks have successfully reached fledging stage, several of them in the Daille gorges. A powerful sign that makes Val d’Isère a key territory for the conservation of the species in the French Alps.
Where to spot bearded vulturesin Val d'Isère
In Val d’Isère, you can observe the bearded vulture without walking for hours on end or carrying special equipment. In favourable weather conditions, it can be seen almost daily in winter, soaring above the village or the south-facing mountainsides. In summer, this bird of prey remains present here but becomes more elusive, living higher up and concealed among the rocks.
Recommended walks:
- Pont Saint-Charles trail,
- towards La Daille,
- the Laisinant sector, when the rock faces are in the sun.
Sightings are likely if you can be patient, keep quiet… and look closely!
Spreading awarenessamong young children
In Val d’Isère, the mountains are not only a fabulous playground but also a place to learn.
To familiarise young children with this giant of the skies, take them down the “La Verte” slope in the Bellevarde sector, where the “Bearded vulture trail” remains open all winter. The descent features four educational modules built of larchwood, inviting young and old to find out more about this bird, the role it plays here and its habitat. A fun and concrete approach to cultivating respect for the living world.
Winter-Spring 2026: a vital period forreproduction of the bearded vulturein Val d'Isère
Incubation well underwayin the Daille gorges
Some very encouraging observations were made at the end of 2025: Val d’Isère’s pair of bearded vultures began their incubation period in the Daille gorges, at similar dates to last year. This is a sign of stability and proves that the birds feel safe in this protected region.
Hence, this new season looks set to contribute to the positive results seen across the department of Savoie. After the successful reproduction cycle of 2025, during which seven young bearded vultures took to the skies of Savoie, the 11 breeding pairs are now entering the key phase of preparing their nests, mating and incubating their eggs.
Why is tranquillity so vitalto the bearded vulture?
As one of the most vulnerable protected species to disturbance, the bearded vulture requires absolute tranquillity throughout its reproduction period.
For this reason, the region’s 19 Major Sensitivity Zones (MSZ) were reactivated for this species in early November 2025.
In these zones, it is forbidden to partake in any activity that may disturb the bearded vultures, including:
- stopping, skiing or walking through,
- noisy activities,
- flying within 1,000 metres of the ground in a motorised craft, or 2,200 metres in certain MSZs of the Daille gorges.
By observing these rules, we can increase the bearded vultures’ chances of successfully reproducing… and make a tangible contribution to the preservation of mountain biodiversity.
2026 MSZ calendarimportant information
Major Sensitivity Zone rules vary through the season:
- On 1 March 2026: MSZs that are unoccupied, or where the first phase of the reproduction period has been unsuccessful, are deactivated.
- Until 31 March 2026: occupied MSZs remain active, as new eggs are sometimes laid up to that date.
- After 31 March 2026 : occupied MSZs remain active until the fledglings fly the nest, sometimes as late as 31 August in the case of bearded vultures.
Young bearded vulturesexploring the skies of Vanoise
Thanks to GPS monitoring, we can track the fabulous journeys already undertaken by some of the juvenile bearded vultures hatched in recent years:
- Dôme (2022) went to explore Austria before returning to the Cervin sector.
- Erasmus (2023) is also near the Cervin, but on the Swiss side.
- Esprit (2023) is currently exploring the Mercantour skies, above Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée.
- Fortiche (2024) is in the Écrins National Park, after a spell in Switzerland.
- Farra (2024) is also exploring the Écrins region, near Embrun.
- Grapillon (2025), the latest addition to the eyrie of La Daille in Val d’Isère, has flown to Castellane, Alpe d’Huez… and has even approached Mediterranean skies.
A fragile balance to be nurturedby us all
In Val d’Isère, the mountains offer a sense of freedom… but demand responsible behaviour in return. By observing the Major Sensitivity Zone rules, we can each contribute to preserving the balance of life, in the great outdoors where sports activities and adventures can coexist in harmony with local biodiversity.
Thank you, each and every one of you, for your commitment in helping us take care of the bearded vultures that watch over the expanse of the alpine wilderness, symbolising life itself in these challenging but deeply inspiring mountains.
Must-try experiencesin Val d'Isère
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