Our resorts and accommodation really do care about the mountains and the impact they are having. We're constantly getting updates from our fabulous resorts about all they're doing to make your next ski holiday even more sustainable. Here are some of our favourites...
Les Menuires
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This ski resort is strongly committed to preserving the local ecosystem and was the first to carry out a carbon footprint report in 2007.
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The resort’s ski lift operator is BIOM certified, an indicator that measures the social, economic and environmental impact of the area.
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Les Menuires was the first French ski resort to join the international association Protect Our Winters in 2018.
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Ski lifts have been running on renewable energy (hydroelectricity) for 10 years and their speed adapts to passenger numbers.
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Slope management is committed to training their drivers in eco-driving to reduce their energy consumption when grooming the slopes.
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Since 2010 any renovation work on municipal buildings is subject to thermal analysis to fight against the famous ‘empty beds’ phenomenon and to support accommodation owners with maintaining a virtuous cycle.
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Free shuttle service to the heart of the resort for holidaymakers without cars.
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Les Menuires has created eleven Rézo Pouce hitch-hiking stops in the villages and resorts.
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There is a daily bus service for permanent and seasonal workers from Moûtiers to Les Menuires which has been running for 20 years.
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Recharging stations are available for electric vehicles in Saint-Martin and Les Menuires.
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Ski passes are now rechargeable and reusable cards. For ski lessons, you no longer have to show the instructor a card. You show an eTicket instead!
Flaine
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Flaine is one of the closest resorts to Calais and therefore allows you to opt for environmentally-friendly access to the slopes by driving from home.
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If you are driving by electric car, you'll find recharge points in the Flaine forum.
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Built right on the mountainside, Flaine is close to all the amenities which everything can easily be reached on foot, skis or by shuttle bus.
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The whole resort is traffic-free which makes the air clear as it can be.
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The surrounding Grand Massif ski area was the first ski area to receive the Green Globe certification which recognises the effort made to sustainable tourism.
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Everything runs on renewable energy.
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The environmental observatory of Flaine, established in 2007 and only one of its kind in France, monitors local biodiversity and once the ski season is over they invest their time in replanting to help local species.
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Flaine has an environmental policy that aims to prevent pollution and reduce its impact as much in day-to-day activities as in the planning and development of the ski area.
Avoriaz
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Cars are not allowed in Avoriaz which keeps carbon emissions low and air clean.
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Everything is done with a sustainable approach from long-life lighting to rooves being built to retain snow for insulation.
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The resort runs on biofuel through a duel energy wood heating system backed up by electricity.
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Recycling bins are dotted all over the ski area.
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Snowmobiles are electrically powered.
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The snowpark is known as the 'eco snowpark' built from fallen trees.
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The resort has improved walking and cycling routes.
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Awarded the Flocon Vert label in August 2021 for its commitment to sustainable development.
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High-visibility markers have been installed on ski lift cables to reduce bird collisions.
Val d'Isere
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Through employee safety, nature protection and controlled energy management, Val d'Isere has obtained the Green Globe Certification.
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In 2003 the resort obtained the ISO 9001 certification and a few years later proceeded to obtain the ISO 14001 certification, the first recognition of its sustainability engagement.
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In the summer months, Val d'Isere hosts an educational walk on the theme of the environment which involves contributing to the preservation of the mountain, from waste collection to weighing. Be guided by a mountain guide through the trails of Val d’Isère in this “Eco-rando”!
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Created to protect nature, the Vanoise National Park's main mission today is to safeguard its landscapes, the diversity of its plant and animal species as well as its cultural heritage.
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By 2022, 100 pylons will have been removed from the Val d'Isere resort.
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For every tree cut down, 5 are planted.
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Ski lift cables are more visible to avoid bird collisions.
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This year was the 15th edition of the local Earth Day organized by “Ecomove” Programme. The aim of the day is to clean the mountain of litter and raise public awareness of the damage caused by littering on the mountain.
Les Arcs
- Awarded the Flocon Vert in 2020 and it's eco-credentials start with getting there; taking the train via Paris to Bourg St Maurice then the (electric) funicular up to the resort has to be one of the greenest journeys to the Alps.
- In resort, 60 solar panels have already been installed across the Varet and Aiguille Rouge lifts and from this year, the ski area will produce 12% of the electricity it consumes using hydro-electricity generated from its snowmaking installations.
- Rather than use plastic water bottles, you can top up your own reusable bottle at various points on the slopes.
- The resort has also created 'quiet zones' across the ski area, which allow the rare, protected Black Grouse to hibernate and reproduce undisturbed, and a new visitor space lets skiers learn about the area's exceptional biodiversity.
Feeling inspired and ready to book your next ski holiday? You can book online or call us on 023 9289 0960 to speak to one of our award-winning team. If you're not sure where to go or would like some advice on which resorts would suit your group, give us a call and we will be able to help! Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to get all the latest ski news and deals!
