Instructors' advice for a more responsible holiday on the slopes
Published on 19/02/2025 - Written by Elsa
Winter sports have long been criticised for their environmental impact. Ski lifts, artificial snow... Various aspects of skiing can pose a threat to the environment.
However, some resorts are taking an ecological approach, by setting up committed initiatives. Val Thorens is one of them. If the resort is prepared to make an effort to be more responsible, then why not you?
Here are a few tips from our instructors for more responsible holidays in Savoie.
Val Thorens: choose a resort with the Flocon Vert label
This year, for your mountain holidays, choose a resort like Val Thorens that is committed to ecological progress. Since 30 May 2022, the Vallée des Belleville, which includes Val Thorens, has been awarded the Flocon Vert label.
What is this, you ask? It's an award given to resorts that demonstrate a strong commitment to a successful and sustainable ecological transition.
The aim of the Flocon Vert label is to preserve natural resources, adapt to change by limiting the ecological impact, and respect biodiversity. To achieve this, a wide range of initiatives have been put in place, from insulating buildings to installing a hydro-electric power station.
The aim of the Flocon Vert label is to preserve natural resources, adapt to change by limiting the ecological impact, and respect biodiversity. To achieve this, a wide range of initiatives have been put in place, from insulating buildings to installing a hydro-electric power station.
In its own way, the resort is doing everything it can to protect the planet, and is encouraging its sports fans to do the same. There are a number of things you can do to help protect nature.
Progress on the slopes with our instructorsFree shuttle buses make getting around easy
In addition to the above commitments, Val Thorens is putting in place a number of alternatives designed for sports enthusiasts, so that they too can opt for more ecological solutions during their mountain holidays.
These include the introduction of free shuttles running every day of the week, summer and winter alike. With the free shuttles, you can get around Val Thorens and the Vallée des Belleville without touching your car.
By downloading the application, you'll find all the information you need in real time, including timetables and stops, so you can organise your day as efficiently as possible.
Responsible holidays: reflexes to adopt
As a sportsman or woman staying at the resort, there are certain habits you can adopt to help protect the planet and the environment during your stay. Are you a smoker? Don't throw your cigarette butts in the snow and take a pocket ashtray with you wherever you go to limit the amount of rubbish you litter.
The same applies to picnics. Please take all packaging and other polluting waste with you and dispose of it in the appropriate bins once you have reached the heart of the resort.
The advice given by our instructors also includes respecting the markers placed during your hikes and outings. Stay on the paths to preserve the fragile vegetation and avoid disturbing hibernating wildlife.
Finally, for the more courageous who venture to higher altitudes in search of the most beautiful viewpoints, such as the Circuit des Lacs, swimming is forbidden. Products such as sun creams and shower gels could pollute the water and be extremely harmful to the flora and fauna in the area.
The advice given by our instructors also includes respecting the markers placed during your hikes and outings. Stay on the paths to preserve the fragile vegetation and avoid disturbing hibernating wildlife.
Finally, for the more courageous who venture to higher altitudes in search of the most beautiful viewpoints, such as the Circuit des Lacs, swimming is forbidden. Products such as sun creams and shower gels could pollute the water and be extremely harmful to the flora and fauna in the area.
Enjoy the resort in a different way!