Winter is fast approaching and with it comes snow, sport and fun at our eco-friendly ski resorts! Some of the Southern Alps resorts are making waves when it comes to sustainability, with initiatives including electricity production using renewable energy sources, reduced pollution and short distribution circuits… So, what will your next destination be?
Choose an eco-friendly resort in the Southern Alps!
Smart Mountain resort, Les Orres
Pioneering energy transition
If you’re seeking a high-altitude resort promising plenty of dazzling ski action and sunshine, look no more! Welcome to Les Orres , at the heart of Ecrins National Park, promising all the snowy pleasures of the tallest peaks. What’s more, the resort is resolutely determined to preserve its exceptional environment and is a holder of the Smart Mountain label, rewarding its status as a mountain resort committed to energy transition. It has already reduced energy consumption by 20%, i.e. a reduction in CO2 emissions of 100 metric tons, and is taking part in an experiment to make its constructions sustainable… In parallel, Les Orres has been collaborating with local ski addicts to offer visitors an adrenalin-packed programme this winter, including a new snow park for freeriders!
Serre-Chevalier, renewable energy in motion
Producing and consuming its own power
Serre-Chevalier Valley is a genuine treasure trove, with surprises including Briançon – France’s highest town and an official Art & History hub – plus a vast multi-sports, multi-thrills ski domain. Constantly seeking to perfect its offering and safeguard its priceless heritage, the resort is now the first to produce its own power, using constantly-evolving techniques such as hydroelectricity and solar panels. Its aim is to produce 30% of its power needs by 2021, coupled with a 50% reduction in its carbon footprint by 2050. If you’re getting ready to whoosh down Col du Prorel, pause for a second to admire one of the new wind turbines. And if you want to try out the double zipline, head to the summit on the Chantemerle ski lift – now converted into one of the resort’s 4 renewable energy production sites.
Technological innovations at Superdévoluy & La Joue du Loup
Mountain 2.0…
The Massif du Dévoluy, nestling in the hollow of the Hautes-Alpes, offers a choice of two welcoming, family-style resorts: SuperdévoluyandLa Joue du Loup. Everything here is carefully curated to cater for families, including a palette of services such as a kindergarten for children up to 6 years old and fun Ski Garden for tiny tots, kitted out with ultra-modern skiing conveyor belts. What’s more, the aim this winter is to fit the belts with solar panels in an effort to produce as much or more power than they consume. A first in France! The belts use Stop and Go technology, which means they switch off when they’re not in use. A pioneer in power saving and environmental preservation, Dévoluy is also committed to a zero plastic waste policy, for the promise of a fabulous holiday in ultra-protected surroundings.
Zero light pollution in Valberg and Mercantour
Pure and radiant starry skies!
Offering a delightful blend of charm and authenticity, the village resort of Valberg is tucked at the gateway to MercantourNational Park and the Gorges de Daluis Regional Nature Reserve. Its exceptional environment has prompted a strong commitment to sustainable development. During the day, visitors enjoy stunning views over the sea and surrounding peaks, while at night, the crystal clear skies are ablaze with twinkling stars. A holder of the Flocon Vert label, the resort is also a member of the Alpes Azur Mercantour family, rewarded the International Dark Sky Reserve label in 2019. Don’t miss a walk (or snowshoe hike) on the “Sentier Planétaire” trail during your stay – the promise of starry-eyed memories to take back home.
Puy-Saint-Vincent, thinking local
Dedicated to the community and environment
Ideally sheltered from prevailing winds, Puy-Saint-Vincent ski resort spans three different altitudes and 75 km of tree-lined slopes. Anchored in the fairytale scenery of Ecrins National Park, it is particularly acclaimed for its ice waterfalls coveted by adventure-seekers and cross-country trails where nature fans love to roam. But the resort is also renowned for its commitment to 100% local development. In parallel, it has set up a zero waste paper policy for printed advertising, plus a policy to reduce greenhouse gasses and preserve biodiversity.
