Nestled in the heart of a massif preserved from mass tourism, Arêches-Beaufort is keen to guarantee reasoned and harmonious development for its territory. If we had to define what Arêches-Beaufort should be in the coming years, this is how we would define our territory.

La National Charter for Development sustainability of mountain resorts is reflected in the implementation of concrete actions and specific offers to protect the environment: waste management, energy consumption, protection of flora and fauna, etc. The objective is to favor tourism in harmony with its natural environment and its agriculture.

A resort village concerned about its development.

First resort in France to sign the national charter in favor of sustainable development in mountain resorts in 2007, Arêches-Beaufort did not wait for the 21st century to become interested in the subject. The very development of villages is sustainable. The National Charter in favor of the sustainable development of mountain resorts results in the implementation of concrete actions and specific offers to protect the environment: waste management, energy consumption, protection of fauna and flora, etc. The objective is to favor tourism in harmony with its natural environment and its agriculture.

Since June 6, 2024, Arêches-Beaufort has been labeled Green Snowflake with level 2 flakes, thus promoting a global approach to local development with all stakeholders in the region. Our municipality will therefore develop a transition strategy towards a more resilient model in economic, environmental, social and cultural terms with 3 main axes: mobility, housing and diversification.

Our commitments for a more responsible future

The Tourist Office undertakes:

Change

  • To continually reduce the number of impressions made for information documents intended for the general public. A policy of developing digital tools to replace paper media has been put in place over the years
  • Internal printing is done in a reasonable manner
  • The printers we work with have environmental certifications
  • A large part of the Tourist Office team is housed on site, which limits the use of personal vehicles to come to work.
  • A study is underway for an energy renovation of the building housing the Tourist Office offices
  • The website is suitable for people with visual disabilities.
  • Inventory management is reviewed annually to avoid surpluses
  • The policy of creating official products and selling through our store is oriented towards made in France and even more aims to use local know-how by creating synergies with local artisans.
  • We use ecocups and wooden cutlery during our events and activities
THE QUALITY COMMITMENTS of the tourist office

A committed ski area

The geographical location of Arêches-Beaufort on the foothills of Mont-Blanc guarantees exceptional snowfall (at the foot of the slopes, at an altitude of 1 meters, the snow depths are equivalent to those observed at 200 meters in the other surrounding massifs). In addition, the altitude of the ski area and its north orientation make it possible to better preserve the snow and limit its transformation. The result is very good snow cover and excellent snow quality throughout the season. This allows SEMAB, operator of the ski area, to offer several commitments around the management of winter activities:

  • Only 15% of the ski area is equipped with snow guns, on the lower parts only, to encourage departures and returns on skis.
  • Limit the use of personal vehicles as much as possible. For this, SEMAB provides vacationers with free shuttles that travel through the villages
  • Promoting carpooling: The Pass'Auto which allows you to collect your day pass quickly from your vehicle at decreasing rates depending on the number of occupants in the car (up to 5 maximum).
  • Diversification of activities, including a pioneering role since 2011, in the development of an offer structured around ski touring. Thanks to the establishment of marked and secure ski touring routes, allowing everyone to progress according to their level in ideal conditions, while taking advantage of the alpine skiing infrastructure to get back down in complete safety.
  • The resort offers a ski locker system from the Grand-Mont chairlift. No need for a car to go skiing, just take the free shuttles to get around. At the end of your day of skiing, you leave your shoes, skis and poles in these lockers and then set off freely to wander the streets and alleys of the village. Your ski equipment will “sleep” warm all night while waiting for your return the next morning to put on dry, warm shoes at the foot of the slopes.
  • A damage plan makes it possible to optimize machine operating hours and therefore fuel consumption. The slopes are groomed according to needs and at the most appropriate time. Drivers have been trained in eco-driving to save fuel.
  • The water intended for snowmaking comes only from the Roselend dam (partnership with EDF). No withdrawal from watercourses or hill reservoirs. The network of snow guns is thus supplied by gravity pressure. This requires less energy because pumping is avoided. Artificial snow is made without adjuvants, it is only a mixture of water and air.
  • Waste management: bins are installed in the ski area in limited quantities because priority is given to raising awareness among skiers, via posters distributed in the villages and on the ski area, so that they return with their waste to their accommodation to sort and valorize them. In addition, SEMAB staff collect waste left by skiers throughout the season. In addition, waste collection operations on the slopes are organized every spring with awareness among practitioners.
  • Work with farmers: planning of work according to grazing periods, grazing of ski slopes (avoid clearing), natural fertilization of the land (with compost from local agriculture or manure) and common infrastructure for service mountain pastures and the ski area…
  • SEMAB, a ski lift company, also takes the environment into account when operating the ski area. It is committed to a global environmental approach mobilizing all of its services (ski lifts, snow grooming, slopes, cash desks, administration, artificial snow, etc.). This approach is carried out in the spirit of the ISO 14001 standard, a reference based on the constant search for improvement.

All committed, all responsible!

Every gesture counts and everyone can make a commitment to make their stay in the mountains more responsible. It's your turn ! Here are some things to do:

  1. Coming by train : Soft mobility remains the most impactful gesture during your stay to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, transport accounts for 57% of these emissions.
  2. Consume local : nothing could be easier with the many farmers present in the area. One more reason to take advantage of our good local products.
  3. Cohabiting with flora and fauna : The mountain is a great habitat for flora and fauna. Biodiversity is fragile, it is up to us to protect it. To do this, we are careful not to make excessive noise so as not to scare away the animals and not to leave the trails so as not to damage the flora.
  4. sort waste : We don't lose our good valley habits and we take the time to sort! Many sorting bins are available in the station. More info here.
  5. Avoid overconsumption in water and heating: Sometimes, it is enough simply to dress in circumstance! Also pay attention to do not light the fireplace too much, The mountainous valleys are particularly exposed to atmospheric pollution caused by the extensive use of wood heating.  
  6. On site, opt for soft mobility : Once you arrive at your destination, take the free shuttles. In summer you can take advantage of the natural shuttles to go to Saint Guérin or to the surrounding villages. All the info.
  7. Rent your equipment rather than buy it, especially if you practice a few times a year. Otherwise, opt for eco-designed equipment.

Arêches-Beaufort, tourism serving its territory.

Because the town of Beaufort does not only live from tourism and lives from a balance between different economic activities, Arêches-Beaufort is committed to communication with its customers which aims to bring more respect towards its territory and its economic actors. .

MORE INFO: THE MOUNTAIN, RESPECT!