Oeneis glacialis is distributed only in Alpine regions.
   They are found in the Alps at heights of 1400 to 2900 m above sea level, and are typically on wing from June to August depending on the location.
   The flight time varies primarily due to the great height amplitude.
   They usually flie from early June to early August, with a peak between late June and mid-July.
   In low lying regions and in unusually dry and warm springs, they can be observed flying starting in mid-May.
   Depending on the weather, the imagos can be quite long-lived.
   The species has a two year development.
   They are fast, agile fliers that often sit on the ground or rock, but also on wood or dry grass.
   They are well camouflaged by the color of the ventral side of the wings.
   Males show territorial behavior, hunting for females flying past, whereby other insects are also accidentally approached.
   The upper side of the Alpine Grayling has a pale gray (males) or pale brown (females) basic tint.
   The dark gray marbled ventral side of the hind wings is traversed by white wing veins. In its alpine habitat, in central Europe they can only be confused with Lasiommata petropolitana or Lasiommata maera.                 Both have large, conspicuous eye-spots on the upper sides of both wings, which the Alpine Grayling lacks.