On December 24, 1888, the first troupes de montagne (mountain troops) corps were created from 12 of the 31 existing Chasseurs à pied Hunters on Foot/Foot Rifles) battalions.

From their establishment the chasseurs Alpins wore a plain and practical uniform designed to be suitable for mountain service.

This comprised a loose-fitting dark blue jacket and blue-grey breeches, together with a large beret carrying the yellow (daffodil) hunting horn insignia of the Chasseur branch.

Traditional training included mountain survival skills such as to build an igloo shelter and to sleep in temperatures around 0 °C.

Modern troops may be transported in all-terrain VMBs, VACs, (Bandvagn 206) or untracked VAB personnel carriers.

Note though that this is also worn by other mountain troops, such as the Alpine infantry, cavalry, artillery, and signals except for the 2ème REG engineers who wear the green beret.