The first resort in France to sign the national charter for sustainable development in mountain resorts in 2007, Arêches-Beaufort did not wait until the 21st century to take an interest in the subject. The very development of the villages is sustainable.
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.
An eco-responsible resort
The geographical location of Arêches-Beaufort on the foothills of Mont-Blanc guarantees exceptional snowfall (at the foot of the slopes, at 1 meters above sea level, the snow heights are equivalent to those observed at 200 meters in the other surrounding massifs). In addition, the altitude of the ski area and its orientation to the north make it possible to better conserve the snow and limit its transformation. This results in very good snow cover and excellent snow quality throughout the season. Thereby, only 15% of the ski area is equipped with snow cannons, on the lower parts only to guarantee a departure and a return on skis. Artificial snow is therefore used very little thanks to its privileged geographical location.
The station's wish is also to limit the use of personal vehicles as much as possible. To do this, it provides holidaymakers with free shuttles that crisscross the villages.
Opt for carpooling and pay less for your package!
The Pass'Auto which allows you to recover your day pass quickly from your vehicle at decreasing rates depending on the number of occupants in the car (up to 5 maximum). What to promote carpooling!
Always in its approach to limit the use of cars, the station offers a system of ski lockers from the Grand-Mont chairlift. No need for a car to go skiing, you just need to borrow the free shuttles to get around. At the end of your day of skiing, you leave your boots, skis and poles in these lockers and then set off freely to wander through the streets and alleys of the village. Your ski equipment will "sleep" him warm all night long while waiting for your return the next morning to put on dry and warm boots at the foot of the slopes.
A committed 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.
Among the actions implemented:
- A grooming plan optimizes operating hours machines and therefore fuel consumption. The slopes are groomed as needed and at the most opportune time. The drivers have been trained in eco-driving to save fuel.
- The water for making snow comes only from the Roselend dam (partnership with EDF). No sampling in waterways or hill reservoirs. The snow gun network is thus supplied by gravity pressure. This requires less energy because pumping is avoided. Artificial snow is made without additives, it is only a mixture of water and air.
- Management of waste : garbage cans are installed in the ski area in limited quantities because priority is given to educating skiers, via posters distributed in the villages and on the ski area, so that they leave with their waste in their accommodation for sorting and enhance them. In addition, SEMAB staff collects waste left by skiers throughout the season. In addition, waste collection operations on the slopes are organized every spring with the awareness of practitioners.
- Working with farmers : planning of works according to the periods of grazing, grazing of the ski slopes (avoids clearing of brush), natural fertilization of the land (with compost from local agriculture or manure) and common infrastructures for the service of the mountain pastures and the ski area…
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Rent your equipment rather than buy it, especially if you practice a few times a year. Otherwise, opt for eco-designed equipment.
