The French ski resort of Les Arcs has already been widely recognised for its commitment to sustainability.
The new commitments by the resort include a target to self-produce 25% of the ski area’s energy and become carbon neutral by 2030.
‘Flocon Vert’ Accreditation
In December 2020 the resort was awarded the prestigious ‘Flocon Vert’ accreditation by the Mountain Riders organisation.
It was the first resort in Savoie to attain this award, which was created in 2011. e mark which shows a commitment to sustainable development.
Accreditation requires resorts to fulfil 20 criteria divided into four themes: local economy, social & cultural, governance and destination, environment and natural resources.
Low Carbon travel by Train
Les Arcs is one of the few French ski resorts which can be reached fully by train.
British skiers can travel direct from London St Pancras to Bourg Saint Maurice on the new Travelski Express service or indirectly via Paris on Eurostar and SNCF services.
From Bourg, travellers can then change directly onto the electric funicular which whisks you to Les Arcs 1600 in just seven minutes, connecting to free shuttle buses.
According to their research, 57% of CO2 emissions from ski resorts are generated by travel to resort, so taking the train is one of the simplest decisions for eco-conscious skiers.
The Co2 emission for a journey from Paris to Bourg Saint Maurice by train and then connecting to the funicular is 3 kg/km compared to 114 kg/km by car and 161 kg/km by plane.
Renewable energy
The use of photovoltaic panels and hydroelectricity are fundamental to Les Arcs’ target to self-produce 25% of its energy.
The new Vallandry gondola opening this winter has photovoltaic panels on the roof to power the lift, plus has enhanced rainwater collection and heat capture from the machinery.
The cable car station will also host a new ‘Mountain Animal Museum’ set up in conjunction with the Vanoise National Park to educate visitors about mountain biodiversity.
‘Drink Local’
Les Arcs launched a #drinklocal campaign last winter as part of their drive towards ‘zero plastic’.
Because more than a million plastic bottles are used every year in the area, and allied to the fact that each bottle travels on average 300km, the environmental impact of water in a bottle is 450 times that of tap water.
Visitors are therefore being encouraged to drink (the very tasty) tap water, and new water fountains have been installed across the ski area.
Local hotels, bars and restaurants have also been encouraged to offer tap water as opposed to water delivered in single-use plastic.
Accommodation in Les Arcs
Les Arcs is made up of five different resorts, which all form part of the Paradiski ski area, which offers 400km of pistes.
To find the right accommodation for your group or family, please contact the Chaletline team on 01822 617761.
