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Wildlife - birds of prey in the sky
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Yann Allègre

Our commitments Environment and biodiversity

In Val d’Isère, the mountains offer an exceptional environment that must be preserved. The local flora and fauna, protected natural areas and high-altitude landscapes together form a remarkable natural heritage. Discover the area’s biodiversity and the protected areas that contribute to its richness.

Val d’Isère For the environment

Nestled at the foot of the Sources de l’Isère Glacier, sheltered by the imposing gateway formed by the La Daille Gorges, the village of Val d’Isère stands out against a truly majestic natural backdrop. It is these peaks, these valleys and these slopes that so inspire visitors and that Val d’Isère strives to preserve.

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Mountains in summer - flora
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Yann Allègre

Exceptional landscapes Protected flora and fauna

Beyond the village and the ski area lies the realm of the ibex and the marmot, the iconic animals of the Vanoise. There are no fewer than 400 chamois year-round, 150 ibex overwintering here, and two iconic species of bird: bearded vultures and golden eagles, which soar over the village and its trails.

As for the flora, there are more than forty protected plant species in the municipality of Val d’Isère, such as the Alpine edelweiss.

Protected nature reserves

The Vanoise National Park, which covers 5,240 ha, is situated to the south and east of the town. In spring and summer, two huts managed by the Park and one private hut allow lovers of the great outdoors to take a break on their journey. On the other side of the mountain passes, the Vanoise National Park borders the Italian Gran Paradiso National Park. Within the Park, two areas (S 43 and S 39) are designated as Natura 2000 sites, owing to the presence of rare grasslands (a network of high-altitude valleys in Caricion).

The Baillettaz Nature Reserve, covering 475 hectares, stretches across a south-facing mountain and borders the Grande Sassière Nature Reserve, which is situated in the municipality of Tignes. The Col de l’Iseran biotope decree, covering 214 hectares, protects the Leissières ridge and notable sites below the Col de l’Iseran, on the edge of the ski area. In addition to this is the area covered by the Grand Pré Prefectural Biotope Protection Order: 202 ha.

Discover Our commitments Initiatives led in Val d’Isère

Every day, these commitments are brought to life through concrete actions carried out across the destination.