Marmot Spotting: A Fun Lift Game for Skiers

Ever been on a chairlift and caught a glimpse of a furry little creature darting through the snow? No, you’re not imagining things - that’s a marmot! These mountain-dwelling whistlers are a joy to spot, especially if you’re skiing with kids. Keep your eyes peeled in wooded areas or even on the pistes early in the morning or at dusk.

To make your marmot hunt even more fun, here are some fascinating facts about these Alpine locals:

1: They whistle when alarmed
When startled, marmots let out a high-pitched whistle to warn the rest of their colony (a bit like some of our guests first thing in the morning). In Quebec they’re even called siffleux, meaning “whistlers”. The tone changes depending on the threat level - so listen carefully.

2: They’re world travellers
While Alpine marmots are the ones you’ll spot on ski holidays, their cousins live across Asia, India and the Rocky Mountains of North America. Rumour has it the French marmots have mastered skiing, while their American relatives are still working on their technique.

3: Their name means ‘Mountain Mouse’
The word marmot comes from the Latin mus montanus, which literally translates as “mountain mouse”.

4: Alaska has a Marmot Day
With no groundhogs in Alaska, locals celebrate Marmot Day instead on February 2nd. The day involves marmot-themed jokes, local events and plenty of appreciation for these hardy mountain animals.

5: Whistler is named after them
The famous Canadian ski resort was once called London Mountain, but the gloomy association didn’t quite stick. In 1965 it was renamed Whistler, after the distinctive whistling sound marmots make across the mountains.

Once you know what to look (and listen) for, chairlift rides become a little wildlife-spotting game of their own.

If you manage to capture a marmot on camera this winter, share it with us on Instagram and tag VIP SKI, we’d love to see your Alpine wildlife discoveries.