Introduction to Châtel and the French Alps

In May 2023, we began a three-month house sit at a ski chalet in Châtel, a town in the Les Portes du Soleil region of the French Alps. We had the very easy task of caring for a cat named Biscuit while his owners hiked the Camino trail.

As residents of Brisbane, a subtropical climate, it was fascinating to witness the change of seasons that happen when you are living in a ski resort. Upon our arrival, the ski season had ended, but there was still a patchy covering of snow on the slopes —just enough for the local enthusiasts to hike up and ski back down.

Spring Awakens in the Alps

As spring unfolded, the snow continued to melt, revealing lush grass and vibrant wildflowers that painted the alpine meadows. Alpine Anenomes, Asters, Crocuses, and Buttercups bloomed in an exquisite array of colors, contrasting against the rugged mountain backdrop.

With the receding snow, the local wildlife began to return. We spotted Chamois, nimbly navigating the rocky cliffs, and the magnificent Bouquetin, or Alpine ibex, their massive curved horns standing tall on the ridges. But perhaps the most endearing of all were the Marmottes, emerging from hibernation to bask in the sun and forage for food.

The Hike up Tête de Linga

Before our time in Châtel came to an end, we decided to hike up Tête de Linga to photograph a family of Marmots (or Marmottes as they are spelt in French) near a small pond by the Linga chairlift. The hike itself was breathtaking, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. As we neared our destination, the distinctive whistles of the Marmots filled the air—a warning call to their colony of potential danger.

Some interesting Marmot Facts:

Capturing Marmots in Their Natural Habitat

Photographing Marmots required a lot of patience. These cautious rodents vanish into their burrows at the slightest sign of movement. I found a comfortable spot at a safe distance and used my telephoto lens to capture their playful interactions. Watching them sunbathe on rocks, chase each other through the grass, and nibble on alpine flowers was a pure delight.

Marmots are highly social creatures, living in family groups and communicating with a variety of vocalizations, from alarm calls to playful chirps. They spend the summer months fattening up for their long winter hibernation, which can last up to six months. Their thick fur and stocky bodies make them perfectly suited to survive the harsh alpine conditions.

Caught in the Storm

Our time with the Marmots took an unexpected turn when a storm rolled in up the valley. The sky quickly darkened, and we were soon caught in a heavy downpour. With no immediate shelter, we took refuge under the Linga Lift Station, huddling as the wind howled and rain lashed around us. From our vantage point, we could still see the Marmots carrying on with their routines, seemingly unbothered by the storm, their whistles echoing through the mountain air.

Final Moment with the Marmottes

As the storm eased, we took one final walk around the lake.

One of the Marmots, curious about us, stood on a fallen tree a few meters away, peering down with a relaxed gaze, unconcerned by our presence. It was a wonderful opportunity to capture a Marmot so close up—an experience that truly highlighted the charm and resilience of these alpine creatures.

Exhilarated by the adventure, we made our way down the mountain and back to our chalet.

Looking for the Marmots of the Alps portfolio? Visit Marmots of the Alps: Whistles on the Wind.