Skiers – have you heard of Flocon Vert?

Skiers – have you heard of Flocon Vert? Translating as ‘green snowflake’, this French label is awarded to ski resorts who are making the move to a more sustainable future.

Skiing is one of the most paradoxically environmentally damaging activities out there: while celebrating the Great Outdoors and the untouched natural landscape, skiers are often simultaneously over-using local water supply (if their chosen resort uses artificial snow), supporting the disturbance of Alpine habitats, and over-using fossil fuels and electricity (for example, through the use of ski lifts or groomed pistes).

With resorts offering increasing transparency, it is possible to search out and book greener options (look for renewable energy sources, car-free centres, electric public transport and resort-wide recycling programmes).

One of the easiest ways to book responsibly is to look out for France’s ‘Flocon Vert’ accreditation – which recognises resorts making strides towards a sustainable future. Currently, six French resorts have received the accreditation – Valberg, La Pierre St-Martin, Val de Chamonix, Chamrousse, Station des Rousses and Châtel. And, of course, consider train travel as a way of reaching the slopes: Eurostar’s direct ski train heads from London St Pancras to Bourg St Maurice, for coach travel to Val Thorens, Val d’Isere, Courchevel, La Tania, Tignes, Meribel and Les Menuires.