The Alps And European Mountains

From valley meadows to glaciers, wildlife in layers by altitude.

The Alps and Europe's other high ranges stack several habitats on top of one another: broadleaf woods in the valleys, conifer forest higher up, open alpine meadow above the treeline, then rock and ice.

Each layer has its own specialists, adapted to short summers, thin air and long winters.

The Landscape

Valley meadows and forests give way to spruce and larch, then to open alpine pasture above the treeline, and finally to scree, rock and glaciers. Slope, soil and snow cover change over short distances, which makes the mountains unusually varied for plants.

Who Lives Here

Alpine Ibex and Chamois pick their way across steep ground, Alpine Marmots whistle from burrows in the meadows, and Alpine Choughs wheel along cliffs. Rock Ptarmigan change plumage with the seasons, and gentians, edelweiss and many other plants flower in the short summer.

Through The Year

Meadows bloom from June to August, and lower woods turn colour in autumn. Snow covers the high ground from late autumn until spring, when many animals move down or hibernate. Marmots sleep underground through winter.

Pressures And Care

A warming climate is pushing species uphill and shrinking glaciers, while skiing infrastructure, hydropower and changes in grazing affect habitats. Staying on marked paths protects fragile alpine soils.

Visiting Well

Weather changes quickly at altitude, so check forecasts and carry layers. Keep a distance from animals, keep dogs on leads, and do not pick alpine flowers.

Look for

Alpine Ibex
Alpine Marmot
Alpine Chough
Edelweiss
Gentians

Often a good time to visit: June, July, August. Conditions vary from year to year and place to place.

Related habitats

Upland

More in Europe

European Temperate Woodlands · Mediterranean Basin