the Alpine Pearls program

Created in 2006, it is the result of a successful European project. Alpine Pearls is a network of 24 holiday villages distributed in the Alpine Arc. The engaged villages meet quality criterias in favor of the green alternatives and the sustainable development.
This label "Alpine pearls" makes a commitment in particular for a good transportation methods. They propose innovative, sustainable and environment-friendly tourist offers as city centers with not or little circulation, public transport offers, shuttles…
Resorts concerned : Les Gets, Pragnolan la Vanoise.

Staff transport actions !

These ski resorts implement actions in order to limit the transport of their employees. This includes, for example, free shuttle service to convey them to work, advantageous transport tariffs, bus schedules that keep employee working hours into consideration and also the setting-up of a carpool program within the resort's services. These stations try to raise awareness through information on this issue in order to change the way their employees hit the road.
Resorts concerned : Les 2 Alpes, Les Houches, Morzine

Too much salt on our roads !

In France the quantity of salt spread each year varies between 600 000 and 1 650 000 tons. Salting is of no use when temperatures are below -5/-9°C. Therefore it is important to implement alternatives to snow clearance by salt because of its consequences on soils and plants, water and aquatic life, animals and material goods. Some towns are now testing those alternatives to limit these impacts. Among these alternatives to road salt there is : sand, salt-sand mixture, ash, salt-brine mixture, wood chips, gravel recovered during road repairs ...
Resorts concerned : Arêches, Chamrousse, Les Gets, Les Rousses, Montgenèvre, Praz de Lys Sommand, Valmorel, Les Arcs, Pralognan, la Vanoise.

Most committed resorts on the theme of Transports :

• Arêche
• Gourette
• Isola 2000
• La Bresse
• Les Deux Alpes
• Les Gets
• Les Houches
• Les Rousses
• Montgenèvre
• Vaujany

Local production of renewable energy

The Local-owned Electricity Company produces and supplies electricity to the village of La Bresse.

In order to develop renewable energies while protecting the environment, the village built 6 hydroelectric power stations fed by glacial lakes in altitude. Installed self-production power reaches 3870 kW which is the equivalent of 15% on average of the village (5000 inhabitants) electricity needs per year. The counterpart is brought by EDF (France electricity) and bought by private producers of green energy. There are also 10 geothermal-heated pumps in the village.

Before the building of these power stations could be built, hydrological surveys, environmental and economic impact assessments were made to ensure the protection of the environment which led to very concrete actions: the digging of a buffer basin, forced pipe, soundproofing of the turbine building, level control of the river…
The power station turns natural energy of a waterfall into mechanical energy by making a turbine turn which then produces electricity.
Resorts concerned : Tignes, Pralognan la Vanoise, Les Houches, La Rosière, Châtel, Courchevel, Auron Saint-Etienne de Tinée, Cauterets, Valberg, Villard de Lans, Stations du Queyras, La Clusaz, Isola 2000.

Solar power !

Davos ski resort in Switzerland collects all of its sun with its numerous photovoltaic systems : 884m² including 550m² currently dedicated to the production and the sale of green electricity. The production of the whole surface area rises to approximately 72000 kWh per year. 60 other solar thermal systems complete the device by producing approximately 820 000 kWh. The ski resort plans to meet up to 66% of its hot water need just relying on thermal solar water-heating systems.
Resorts concerned : Davos, La Clusaz, Peyragude, Valloire, Gourette, Courchevel, La Bresse, La Pierre Saint Martin, Les Deux Alpes, Les Ménuires, Les Aillons-Margériaz, Lans en Vercors, Praz sur Arly…

Most committed resorts on the theme of Territorial Energy :

• Courchevel
• La Bresse
• La Plagne
• Les Rousses
• Méribel
• Villard de Lans Les Rousses

Incentives to act in favor of sustainable development

The municipality of Saint Martin de Belleville where the resorts of Les Menuires and Val Thorens are located encourages, with a surface area bonus of 20%, individuals, businesses and hosting companies in constructing high performance and energy efficient buildings.
Subsidies are given for the implementation of condos that are older than 15 years old in which fuel contributes to more than 20% of the heating. The development of renewable energy is encouraged. In 2010, 21 subsidies were granted between 400 and 600€.

In France, households are responsible for half of the energy consumption and CO2 emissions. In addition to financial measures granted by the Region and the Department, municipalities may help individuals to finance their installations (solar water-heating system, wood boilers, photovoltaic panels ...) to achieve energy savings, improve lifestyle and adopt an eco-citizen behavior.
Resorts concerned : Chamonix, Val-Thorens, Les Ménuires, Tignes, La Plagne, Les Houches, La Rosière, Combloux, Châtel, La Tania, Risoul, Courchevel, Valloire, Morzine, Villard de Lans, Mont Genèvre, Les Saisies, Les Gets, Col de l'Arzelier, Arêches

Keep the balance thanks to the SCOT

1 acronym, 4 letters for a document that will organize the development of our local area (territory) for the next 20 years to come! Such is the vocation of a SCOT or "territorial coherence scheme": a urbanization planning document that defines the main directions of development in the long run for a given territory and across several communes or group of municipalities.
The SCOT ensures that urbanization policies are consistent. It is a document that defines the balance between protection and development options. This document is a legal framework that binds and trumps others such as local development or habitat plans. Mandated by the Grenelle 2 (July 12, 2010), the SCOT is controlled by the territory's elected body.
Resorts concerned : les stations de Tarentaise, des Aravis et du Pays Gapençais, sont en cours d'élaboration de leur SCOT.

Reusable skipass

More and more resorts implement electronic skipass, these little cards that are slipped into his jumpsuit when crossing the gates of the skilift. Some are rechargeable and recorded. The concern today is the recycling of these ski passes. Recycling bins in the parking station, in shops, halls of residences is a solution. For example, in Nendaz (Switzerland), Ski passes can be used in all resorts in the Valais, in swimming pools, or museums nearby.

Most committed resorts on the theme of Development and planning :

• La Plagne
• La Rosière
• Tignes
• Val Thorens

The resort collects biogas and treats its sludge with an efficient system

The treatment of sewage sludge leads to the production of gas that can be converted into energy: biogas. This biogas is derived from the biological decomposition of organic matter (sludge) in a place where there is little air (ie closed). Through anaerobic digestion, energy is recovered which allows the treatment plant to be more or less autonomous energy. In addition, the fact of recovering biogas prevents odors and a further contribution to the greenhouse effect (biogas is composed of 50% methane).
Resorts concerned : Val Thorens, Les Ménuires, Les Carroz, La Plagne, Les Arcs, Châtel, Courchevel, Saint Sorlin d'Arves, Valberg, Morzine, Mont Dore, Les Saisies, Le Grand Bornand, La Clusaz, Crévoux, Super Besse.

Rainwater collection

Resorts have set-up a rainwater reclamation system which lessen the use of drinkable water for cleaning or domestic purposes. For example reclaimed water can be used for supplying public toilets, the cleaning of some mechanical parts or to water the flowers. 30 to 50% of our water consumption does not need to be potable! The collection of rainwater is an interesting alternative to meet the daily needs for water without using the potable water system. Depending on usage, the type of installation and rainfall, using rainwater helps save anywhere from 25 to 50% of our drinking water.
Resorts concerned : Crest Voland, Val Thorens, La Plagne, Serre Chevalier, Les Arcs, Geradmer, La Pierre Saint Martin, Mont Dore, Orelle, Les Saisies, Les Rousses, La Clusaz, Font Romeu, Le Col de l'Arzelier, Bolquères, Pyrénées 2000, Arêches.

Eco-consumption of water

Some resorts are committed to implement policies aimed not only to a reduction in water consumption (dual flush flow, flow restrictors on taps) but also to improved drinking water supply network (AEP). Indeed waste starts with the distribution of water, due to leakage or outdated facilities. Improving the performance of the network is the first step towards a sustainable consumption of water.
Resorts concerned : Val Thorens, Les Ménuires, Saint Lary Soulan, Les Rousses, Les Gets, Arêches.

Most committed resorts on the theme of Water :

• Arêches Beaufort
• La Plagne
• Les Arcs
• Les Gets
• Les Ménuires
• Les Rousses
• Les Saisies
• Val Thorens

Information on recycling collection

In 2011, 71% of all French resorts offered information on recycling rules to the tourists. For example, Châtel has made efforts to inform and increase awareness concerning the issue of garbage in the mountains spreading information throughout the town, by advertising in public places, on global campaigns, with information displayed at each point of voluntary contribution, useful information on the lifetime of trash, walking trail in Eterlou spreading the word on sustainable development and with a uide on trash collection available at city hall and tourist offices with the partnership of an Eco-packaging company. Measure and actions have been reinforced by the presence of a local officer in charge of the development of waste sorting.

Public tenders based on ecological criteria

In their public tenders, city hall or ski lift companies may decide to include in its specifications, environmental criteria that will determine their choices. In the longer term the goal is that any government and any company choose their partners on the basis of respect for the environment.

Set-up of individuals and collective composters

On the territory of a municipality, collective composters are installed, accessible and maintained by municipal agents. Similarly, training has been done for individuals so they build their own individual composter. These initiatives will reduce the volume of waste in our garbage by converting organic waste into humus directly used as a fertilizer. Presently nearly 45 stations have agreed to do so.

Most committed resorts on the theme of Waste :

• Arêches Beaufort
• Chamonix
• La Plagne
• Les Gets
• Les Ménuires
• Les Rousses
• Puy Saint Vincent
• Station du Queyras
• Valberg
• Val Thorens

Vegetable gardens in the resorts

The "garden village" of Les Gets: several gardens scattered around the village with an education of tourists and residents. All summer, the gardeners of the resort invites guests and residents to look at what grows around them. Gardening workshops are organized to learn to differentiate flowers and vegetables, explaining the benefits of the flowers in the cities. In Le Grand Bornand, a vegetable garden is maintained by the children of primary school with the advice and with a village elder. A great initiative that allows children to learn to garden, learn about seasonal vegetables. It also creates a link between generations, our elders have so much to teach us!

Set-up of transportation services to enable older people to go to the market and the supermarket

The association Trans'Beaufortain was born in May 2010 and aims to help the permanently or temporarily disabled. The association is made for people aged over 70 years, the disabled and those send by social services. It takes these people on Wednesday and Friday to Beaufort and Albertville for everyday life purchases, medical, administrative and banking appointments, access to entertainment, visits, etc.. Twenty other mountain communities are setting up transport services to enable older people to go to the market and the supermarket.

Seasonal workers advantages

The Courchevel resort is taking initiative to help seasonal workers : housing is provided for 330 seasonal workers out of 500. A specific card is given to them that allow them to be eligible for good rates on the season ski package and gives them a 10 to 20% discount from many providers and stores in the resort. Specific benefits for families are available such as a nursery school reserved for seasonal workers. Their children are divided into different existing classes to cope with their number. In Piau Engaly, 15 communal accommodations are reserved for seasonal workers, along with numerous parking spaces for campers and trucks. Seasonal workers get discounts from some providers and suppliers of the resort.
They also pay the same price as residents of the community to keep the children in the nursery.

Most committed resorts on the theme of Social :

• Chamonix
• Châtel
• La Clusaz
• La Plagne
• Les Ménuires - Saint Martin de Belleville

Eco events

The organization of events is turned in a way that reduces all negative impacts on the environment.
To do so you need to implement several actions: Communal transports are available to the public of the event, carpooling initiatives are encouraged, sorting and waste reduction, local products and eco cups are available and an effort toward the reduction of energy consumption is made. Some events even decides to calculate their carbon footprints.
Resorts concerned : Arêches Beaufort, Chamrousse, Le Corbier, Crévoux, Les Houches, Lans en Vercors, Montgenèvre, La Plagne, Pra Loup, Praz de Lys-Sommand, Puy Saint Vincent, Les Stations du Queyras, Valberg, Villard de Lans.

Eco-gestures for hosts !

Only 9% of ski resorts have at least one host that has engaged themselves in sustainable development initiatives. Building heating systems are currently responsible for about 11% of the whole ski resort CO2 emissions. Hosting professionals are thus in the front line to change their daily life practices and curb their part of the ski resorts environmental impact.
To cope with these issues and in order to support organizations willing to act for sustainable development, Mountain Riders has created the "A mountain of eco-gestures" project: a set of tools constituted of promotional posters, informative documents and awareness raising campaigns including games for the whole family.

Follow the Yeti and find your eco-gestures!

Switch off any appliances that are on standby, take a shower instead of a bath, turn off the radiator when the widow is open and separate the rubbish for recycling… simple eco-gestures that aim to give the user a sense of eco-responsibility while actually improving energy saving.
This project fits all kind of structures: refuges, hostels, campsites, holiday villages, bed and breakfast… the program includes a professional membership to Mountain Riders which cost depends on the host's capacity.
Resorts concerned : Chamonix, Aurons Saint Etienne de Tinée, Puy Saint-Vincent, Les Gets, Isola 2000, Col de l'Arzelier.

Most committed resorts on the theme of Territorial Management :

• Chamonix
• La Bresse
• La Plagne
• Les Houches
• Puy St Vincent
• Valberg