Where to Ski And Snowboard - Morzine-Avoriaz awarded sustainability label

Morzine-Avoriaz awarded sustainability label

18th August 2021, by Abi Butcher

Morzine-Avoriaz has won the Flocon Vert for sustainable development. Pic: Sam Ingles

Improving walking and cycling routes, reducing the amount of waste created and helping local businesses become greener are some of the moves that have helped the French ski resorts of Morzine and Avoriaz to be awarded the Flocon Vert label for their a clear commitment to sustainable development.

The Flocon Vert label was established in 2011 by the European organisation Mountain Riders, and has only been given to eight other destinations over that decade.

To qualify for the label, Morzine-Avoriaz has had to comply with 20 different criteria around the four themes: local economy, social and cultural, governance and destination and environment and natural resources.

The tourist offices for the two ski resorts worked together with local stakeholders to establish a joint strategy for sustainable investment, putting in place greener public transport systems and creating new pedestrian areas along with reducing the amount of waste created and helping local businesses become greener in order to win the accolade.

The fully pedestrianised Avoriaz has always been known as a green destination, and recently it has upped the ante with upgrades to its energy infrastructure to provide renewables to hotels and other commercial buildings, along with new waste management systems. The resort now uses electric snowmobiles and modern architecture is built sustainably.

High-visibility markers have been installed on ski lift cables to reduce bird collisions

Morzine locals have long worked to reduce the environmental of their businesses and of residents and visitors in the resort, with their non-for-profit organisation Montagne Verte started by a local artist. Among the initiatives introduced lately are high-visibility markers on ski lift cables to reduce bird collisions (above), the addition of environmentally friendly grooming machines and the introduction of two environmental protection areas within the ski area. Most accommodation providers now use eco-friendly cleaning products and opt for locally sourced materials, composting their waste and growing their own food.

The official Flocon Vert ceremony will be held on 9 September 2021.