Mont Mars Nature Reserve

Introduction

The Mont Mars Natural Reserve, located in the municipality of Fontainemore in Valle d'Aosta, is a protected area of great ecological and landscape value, characterised by unique biodiversity and evocative landscapes. This reserve, which extends around the Mont Mars massif, covers an area of approximately 390 hectares, encompassing a wide range of mountain environments from broadleaf forests to alpine grasslands and wetlands. The reserve, established in 1993, is criss-crossed by numerous hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the diversity of its landscape and admire the local flora and fauna.

Description

The reserve is known for its exceptional wealth of Alpine flora, with over 200 catalogued species, including some endemic to the Alps. During the summer, the meadows are transformed into a carpet of wild flowers, while the peat bogs, rare in this area, are home to carnivorous plants and other special species. The fauna is also varied, with frequent sightings of ibexes, chamois, golden eagles and marmots, which find an ideal habitat in these environments.
Mont Mars is a popular destination for hikers and naturalists, thanks to its scenic routes and the possibility of enjoying direct contact with unspoilt nature. Among the most popular trails are those leading to Lake Vargno and the Colle della Vecchia, vantage points from which one can admire the valleys below and the chain of the Alps. The reserve is accessible throughout the year, with activities suitable for different seasons, from summer trekking to winter snowshoeing.
Fontainemore and the reserve also organise events and environmental education activities to raise visitors' awareness of biodiversity conservation and the protection of the delicate alpine ecosystem.