Réserve naturelle nationale des Hauts de Villaroger, National nature reserve in Villaroger, France
Réserve naturelle nationale des Hauts de Villaroger is a 1,062-hectare national nature reserve on a north-east-facing slope (ubac) in the Vanoise massif, in the Savoie department. It lies east of the Les Arcs ski area, below the Aiguille Rouge and Mont Pourri, and covers wooded areas, meadows crossed by a stream, and coniferous stands. Its upper slopes are grey rock streaked with snow.
The protected area was established in 1991 to safeguard natural habitats absent from the nearby Vanoise National Park. This designation recognized the conservation value of these mountain landscapes.
The reserve's name comes from the high slopes above the village of Villaroger in the Haute Tarentaise. Its best-known resident is the black grouse, a shy bird that finds winter refuge here; the reserve was created partly to protect such wooded habitats. In summer a reception point at Le Planay offers guided outings.
Two marked trails with interpretive signs allow visitors to explore the area throughout the year, though weather and snow conditions require careful planning. The best visiting season is from June through September when trails are most accessible.
Off-piste skiing is banned in the reserve because it disturbs the black grouse, a discreet bird that winters here. Two descents are the exception, allowed only with a guide or after training. The reserve is managed by the Office national des forêts Savoie.
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