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:

Marmot fact 1: They whistle when alarmed
When startled, marmots let out a high-pitched whistle (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!

Marmot fact 2: They’re world travellers
While Alpine marmots get the most attention, their cousins can be found in Asia, India, and the Rocky Mountains in the USA. Rumour has it that the French marmots have mastered skiing, while their American counterparts are still perfecting their technique.

Marmot fact 3: Their name means ‘Mountain Mouse’
The word marmot comes from the Latin mus montanus, which translates to, you guessed it, Mountain Mouse.

Marmot fact 4: Alaska has a Marmot Day
Since there aren’t any groundhogs up north, Alaskans celebrate Marmot Day every February 2nd instead. Locals share marmot-themed jokes and a meal, proving that these little creatures deserve their moment in the spotlight.

Marmot fact 5: Whistler is named after them
Canada’s famous ski resort was once called "London Mountain," but its association with gloomy weather wasn’t exactly appealing. In 1965, it was renamed Whistler after the marmots that can be heard whistling on the slopes.

Now that you know what to look (and listen) for, we hope your lift rides are even more entertaining. If you spot a marmot this season, snap a photo and tag us on Instagram - we’d love to share your wildlife finds!