Winter use in the Cozie Alps Parks, the reasons behind some prohibitions

Reasons for a ban
A Park Authority, such as the one managing the Protected Areas of the Cozie Alps, adopts regulations, norms, and ordinances that can limit human activities, whether recreational, residential, or productive. The institutions tasked with protecting ecosystems of particular value have the responsibility of constantly trying out new forms of coexistence of humans in a natural environment rich in biodiversity. The aim of this section is to explain the reasons behind the bans, helping the public understand certain restrictions aimed at preserving a territory in good health and usable while respecting the needs of all species.

Snow Hiking

Winter is the most challenging season for many species living in the mountains. The harsh temperatures, adverse weather conditions, and difficulty in obtaining food make survival particularly tough for animals. At the same time, snow-covered slopes are increasingly popular destinations for winter hiking enthusiasts and ski mountaineers who venture into the higher altitudes to take advantage of the more wild character of mountain territories. Undoubtedly, however, these recreational activities represent a disturbance – sometimes a threat – to the delicate ecological balance of an environment already under pressure from natural elements.

Current Regulations

At a general level in the Protected Areas of the Cozie Alps, there are currently no specific bans on winter enjoyment of their territories; however, there are some limitations in the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand and in Val Troncea. Here's what they entail.

Within the boundaries of the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park, all year round, access is only permitted on drivable roads and marked trails, whether moving on foot, with skis and skins, snowshoes, or crampons. This rule has been in place since the park's inception to protect wildlife from the disturbances caused by human presence. The prescription is further justified during the winter season when animals suffer more from environmental rigors, and the passage with skis or snowshoes risks damaging vegetation.

On the other hand, in the Val Troncea Natural Park, there is a designated area of ​​greater value, along the left hydrographic bank between the Chisone stream and the watershed crest with the Chisonetto valley, at the foot of Mount Banchetta, where straying from the only marked trail is prohibited. The rule was established to protect a territory frequented by ungulates, alpine galliformes, and nesting raptors both in summer and during the winter season. Consequently, in this area, off-piste skiing, ski mountaineering, ice climbing, and mountaineering in general are essentially prohibited.

Good Behavior beyond the Bans

In the territories within the Parks of the Cozie Alps, activities such as snowshoeing and ski mountaineering are permitted in the entire Orsiera Rocciavrè Natural Park and in much of the Val Troncea Natural Park. However, these forms of enjoyment have an undeniable impact on the lives of wildlife: an aspect that every visitor should always consider to respect the environment in which they find themselves, whether in a protected area or elsewhere.

“The main difficulties that animals face during the winter season – says Luca Maurino, technical officer of the Conservation and Biodiversity Area of the Cozie Alps Parks – are related to the scarcity of food and the great energy expenditure required to maintain body temperature. It's a sort of vicious circle that forces them to consume a large part of the fat mass accumulated in the summer just to survive the severe weather. Hikers or skiers who force them to flee while resting in a sheltered place or feeding on the few available resources essentially risk condemning them to death, as the energy spent fleeing may not be replenished by nourishment, causing diseases and general deterioration.”

This applies to ungulates living in the parks: chamois, ibexes, deer, roe deer, and mouflons. But even more so for typical alpine fauna: rock ptarmigan, ptarmigan, black grouse, and mountain hare, whose conservation status is particularly precarious.

“The rock ptarmigan and the black grouse, also known as the mountain pheasant – adds Giuseppe Roux Poignant, park ranger and surveillance officer in the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand – are the two species that suffer the most from competition with winter tourism because they have the habit of protecting themselves under the snow by building so-called igloos where they fend off the wind and cold. Skiers and snowshoers risk, apart from chasing them away, destroying these igloos, depriving the alpine galliformes of their shelter. It is recommended to pay close attention in areas on the border between forest and meadow, especially where there is low vegetation like rhododendron, where grouse like to hide. As for ptarmigans, their habitat is at higher altitudes, between 2000 and 3000 meters above sea level, mainly along north-facing slopes interspersed with rocky outcrops, requiring extra care when moving.”

From a practical standpoint, snow excursions must be carefully planned, considering the impact that activities on the ground can have on the environment in general.

“Typically, the classic and most frequented routes – concludes Maurino – present fewer conflict situations because animals steer clear knowing our habits. Problems can arise along isolated itineraries where, when moving in a group, it is good practice to all stick to the same line, avoiding spreading out on the slopes to reduce the snow's trampling surface, especially when it's fresh. I understand that these are guidelines that can be challenging to respect, especially for ski mountaineers who specifically seek untouched slopes, but it's important to always remember that in natural environments, and in protected areas in particular, we humans must respect the delicate ecological balances in the perspective of coexisting with all species that inhabit them.”