The values of Valmorel and the Aigueblanche Valleys

All ski resorts have an impact on the environment and we are aware of ours.

The mountain is a natural environment that must be preserved, so we make it a point of honour to reduce our impact on the nature that surrounds us through various actions on the territory to continue to enjoy its advantages and benefits.

By taking care of our environment, while being economically viable, we integrate this notion of sustainable development, a concept of development or growth that is part of a long-term perspective and integrates ecological and social constraints.

Through our actions, we meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

Valmorel’s commitments to sustainable development

• ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATORY

Since 2020, the Valmorel Ski Area has had a tool that allows a proactive approach to the implementation of environmental actions. An inventory of the fauna and flora of future project areas has been carried out to anticipate the preparation of future project files (installation of snowmaking networks, ski lift equipment or buildings) and the creation of the impact study.

• PASTORALISM

The sharing of the mountain between the ski area operator and the farmers is essential. To this end, a meeting to prepare the work sites is organised in the spring of each year to ensure better transmission of information and organisation.
In addition, “Alpage” signs for the attention of customers at the start of the ski lifts are installed indicating the rules to follow when crossing with a herd: put the barrier back up, be vigilant with the presence of a patou, stay on the paths, do not feed the animals…

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• SNOWMAKING AND GROOMING

The Valmorel ski area offers holidaymakers visits to the snow factory every week during the winter season, providing a better understanding of the production of artificial snow: explanation of how the network works, optimisation of production in relation to natural snow cover, etc.

Soon, in each snow groomer, a system for measuring the depth of snow (SNOWSAT) in order to optimise the use of available resources (natural snow and artificial snow) has been installed and all the drivers are also trained in eco-driving, which helps to reduce fuel consumption.

• WASTE MANAGEMENT

It seems obvious, but a reminder is never useless! When walking in the forest or skiing, don’t throw anything away!

A cigarette butt takes 2 years to degrade, a chewing gum 5 years, an aluminium can 100 years and a plastic bag 450… It is even worse in the mountains, because the cold “preserves” the waste.

Even if every spring, a day of waste collection is organised on the domain with the schoolchildren of the Vallée d’Aigueblanche and all the volunteers of the territory, the visual pollution of waste is not pleasant for the next ones. The cleaning of natural areas can be an opportunity to play games with children to encourage them to sort more and better and to make them aware of the importance of a clean green space.

Smokers, be aware that pocket ashtrays are distributed free of charge by the ski lift company so that you do not throw your cigarette butts on the ski area.

For more than 10 years, the bins in the ski area have been removed. Therefore, we advise you to take your rubbish with you when you go on your picnic. Don’t hesitate to take along those of people less responsible than you… It’s a bit of a thankless task but very useful!

Let’s change the valley…

The Domaine nordique de Nâves is managed by La Maison de la Montagne de Nâves which is an association whose “essence” is the respect of the environment and the values of the social and solidarity economy also puts in place actions during its events: the refreshment stands only serve organic and local drinks with reusable eco-cups, the food purchases for the refreshment stands during ski races or mountain bike rides are only made at Biocoop or with local farmers, the welcome bags during mountain bike rides or ski races are made up of local and organic products (no made in China goodies) and finally during the organisation of the market the exhibitors present are not resellers, only producers and craftsmen

• ECO-ACTIONS

We love honey and we love bees even more!

Beehives have been placed at the top of the pylons of the Lanchettes ski lift. Indeed, swarms of bees were regularly forming at this location, which was a danger for customers when they passed by while sitting on the seat. The trial was a success! The bees swarm in the hives and a beekeeper comes to collect them.

In order to preserve the beauty of our landscapes, a reduction in visual pollution has been applied with the removal of 40 pylons in Biollène; moreover, the cladding of the technical premises is made of stone and wood for perfect integration into the landscape.

Finally, in terms of tourist accommodation, the Maison des Propriétaires assists owners who wish to renovate their accommodation to benefit from advice concerning an insulation and/or energy renovation project (establishing a diagnosis, identifying the priorities of the energy audit, etc.). The topics related to the renovation of co-ownerships are very broad. Two schemes, Coach’Rénov and Coach’Copro, have been set up by the Tarentaise Vanoise Country Assembly, thus enabling the expertise of Atout France and ASDER to be used.

• FAUNA AND FLORA

Avoid feeding wild and farmed animals (cows, horses…) that you may come across with whatever you can get your hands on (chips, cakes, ice cream, sweets…). Tempting as it may be, it is not good for them.
For children, it is essential to explain to them that what you eat is not always suitable for wild animals!

Don’t pick flowers on your hikes, you may endanger a species, such as the Swertia Perennis, which is a protected flower found on our territory. Moreover, you will deprive the next hikers of the pleasure of seeing the flowers.

• VALMOREL MOBILITY

For an easy, ecological and responsible stay, throughout the summer and winter seasons, free shuttles are at your disposal to move easily in Valmorel and in the surrounding villages.

In summer, the free mountain bike shuttles allow you to easily get back to Valmorel or Nâves from Aigueblanche.

The “Valmobus” and “Vallées Bus” are also available to reduce individual travel to Valmorel from the hamlet of “Fey dessous” and between the communes of La Léchère and Valmorel.

And in winter, free shuttles allow skiers to access the ski area from Valmorel from the hamlet of “Fey dessous” and access to the Nordic area of Nâves from La Maison de Nâves and La Léchère (to be confirmed for 2021-2022).