Le Figaro

Despite being criticized for its poor carbon footprint, skiing is not in itself a problem when compared to other sporting activities. In fact, it's not even the operation of the ski area that accounts for most of the environmental impact, but rather the transportation of skiers: 57% of greenhouse gas emissions in ski resorts come from the transport of people. In other words, to shun downhill skiing but continue to drive to the mountains is simply totally counterproductive.

The 158 resorts in the Alps have understood this. More and more of them are working on their transport offering, and Savoie Mont Blanc is leading the way with the massive development of "clean" itinerary calculators, which they combine with other measures.

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LES ARCS

The best thing about Les Arcs, the first resort in Savoie to be awarded the Flocon vert label, is that it is 100% pedestrian-friendly, "in just a few minutes.

two stops from Paris," explains Marion Grognet, Les Arcs Bourg-Saint-Maurice Marketing Manager. From Bourg-Saint-Maurice station, all you have to do is take the funicular, which is free if you travelled by train, to reach Arc 1600 in 7 minutes. The resort, equipped with intelligent groomers running on vegetable oil, also runs awareness campaigns on water and waste. Above all, and this is undoubtedly the most striking commitment, the resort is committed to renunciation: there will be no further construction aimed at increasing the number of tourist beds. Classic adult day pass, to order online or pick up on site: €65, Saturday day pass: €39.

Accommodation: La Cachette, a 4-star hotel (88 rooms), which runs on green electricity, selects local suppliers, educates staff and guests, and bans bottled water...

Plus: BCorp certified, Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry is the first mountain resort in Europe to be awarded this label.

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SEIZURES

As a candidate for the Flocon vert label, the Beaufortain family resort has set up a route planner: lessaisies-express.com. You enter your point of departure, then your final destination. The site then suggests the best transport combinations, including the last kilometer, with a classification ranging from A to F. The most virtuous route is to take the train to Albertville station, then the Altibus shuttle and finally one of the 5 internal lines criss-crossing the village, to the hamlets of Bisanne 1500 and Hauteluce. You can order your packages at the same time and benefit from a -10% discount (minimum 3-day stay), provided you have chosen a low-carbon route.

Plus: Eco-driving, snow production optimization, snowfarming and upcycling of tarpaulins and banners.

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VAL CENIS

With the link to Modane cut, the Maurienne resort of Val Cenis can be reached from the Saint-Michel-Valloire station by the S53 bus. "In 30 minutes, you'll arrive directly in the resort, and all you have to do is take the last free shuttle bus to get to your village, Lanslebourg-Mont- Cenis, Lanslevillard or Termignon", explains Yves Dimier, resort manager, inviting you to use the directvalcenis.com comparator. Culminating at 2800 meters and facing north (be warned if you're chilly), Val Cenis has held the Flocon vert label since 2021. Equipped with biofuel groomers since 2019, the resort is the first in France to use a 100% electric groomer as standard.

Plus: From April 6 to 13, the destination organizes a Nature & Ski week featuring skiing, film screenings, walks and workshops to raise visitors' awareness of the need to protect the mountains.

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AVORIAZ

Avoriaz, in the Haute-Savoie region of France, started out with some serious advantages, thanks to its architecture, which focuses on the sun to limit energy consumption. Awarded the Flocon Vert label, it is also the only pedestrian resort in Europe. Cars stay in the parking lot, while horse-drawn sleighs and chenillettes take care of the transport. The best way to get there is to take a bus from Thonon station (1h 20 via Altibus) or Cluses station (1h 10 via line Y92). A Maas (Mobility as a Service) platform, Go-Morzine-Avoriaz, allows you to study the best option and obtain discounts. Once there, you may notice the photovoltaic panels at the departures of the Proclou and Chaux Fleurie chairlifts.

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SERRE CHEVALIER

This winter, the largest resort in the Southern Alps achieved its objective of 30% self-generation of electricity, thanks to its hydroelectric power stations, photovoltaic panels and wind turbines. Even more spectacularly, the optimization of the grooming plan and the switch to vegetable oil-based fuel (HVO) have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 80%. To get there, take the train to Briançon. From there, Altigo shuttle no. 6 will take you to the end of the valley. Free intra-village shuttles complete the network, which would benefit from being simplified and totally free of charge to make it more attractive.

Plus: Since last winter, Serre Chevalier has been using a drone to measure snow depths and carry out technical inspections, which could eventually be used to search for people.

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November 21, 2023