This species is typically found in high-altitude rocky environments, including alpine meadows, scree slopes, and barren mountainous terrain, often close to the permanent snowline. In winter, they descend to lower elevations but still prefer open, rocky areas, cliffs, and sometimes human settlements in mountain valleys.

Alpine Accentors are often seen hopping and foraging on the ground among rocks, stones, and low vegetation. Their song is a high-pitched, tinkling, warbling trill, sometimes described as metallic. Their call is a sharp, short 'tchip' or 'tseek' often given when alarmed or in flight. They can be surprisingly confiding, especially when accustomed to human presence around ski resorts or mountain huts.

They are diurnal, most active during the morning and late afternoon. While resident in their high-altitude range, they undergo altitudinal migration, moving to lower elevations in winter from late autumn to early spring. They are visible year-round within their general mountainous range, with breeding activity peaking from late spring to mid-summer.