When spring is no longer far away, the stags offer a curious spectacle. The greater the dignity, the funnier its loss. But even the loser seems to bear it with humour. The younger stags will soon look funny, too. And there’s another piece of comfort. Next year’s antlers will be even bigger.

Just when their antlers fall is determined by the length of daylight, almost everything in the life of a deer, rut, birth, migration, and the growth and loss of antlers is driven by the rhythm of the sun, and even the longest and harshest winter will eventually give way to spring.

Throughout the mountain wilderness, there seems to be a sense that life is again worth living.

But in each season, however pleasant, some have to fight. It’s about the usual issue. Only the marmots seem to fight about nothing. It’s a time for showing off, at least for the capercaillie. Those he's trying to impress are hiding up in the trees.

When the first larches are blossoming and the last patches of snow are melting, winter’s saddest secrets come to light. But like every spring, life goes on—a story as ancient as the world, and undiminished in its wonder.