Environmental Responsibility

Biodiversity

• A ski area that is also an environmental observatory: studies of ski traffic in the Morzine ski area are carried out in order to identify protected areas for mountain galliformes such as the black grouse. The area is therefore a biotope observatory. These analyses have allowed them to define favourable and unfavourable zones. Currently the area has two protected zones: the Lac de Joux Plane and the Col de Joux Plane. Work has therefore been carried out (undergrowth clearance) to make the environment more favourable to the development of these species. In 2019, this work, which has cost 20,000 euros, has been financed 50% by the Pléney ski lift company and 50% by the hunting federation 74.
• The Observatoire des Galliformes de Montagnes and SA Pléney have signed a multi-year plan to make dangerous aerial cables visible for birds in the mountains. In reality, this involves equipping the cables of the ski lifts with markers approximately every 5 metres on the portions listed as potentially dangerous. A three-year schedule is planned for the installation of this equipment.
• The Eagles of Léman: a new snowshoe track with explanatory panels about the local fauna has been installed in the Nyon area.

Ski area

• The Morzine ski area is now equipped with less polluting piste grooming machines. The machines run on non-toxic, biodegradable GTL fuel as opposed to the off-road winter diesel used by traditional piste bashers. They are quiet and consume less fuel. The piste grooming machines are equipped with snowsat: a software program to limit energy consumption and manage the snow stocks. The Snowsat software is a piloting tool that works using GPS installed on SERMA and SA Pléney’s grooming machines. In particular it gives a very precise measurement of the depth of the snow. The data can be consulted by the driver and communicated in real time to the server. They enable better sharing out of the natural snow and only produce the minimum quantity necessary of artificial snow. Snowsat also records the energy consumption of the grooming machines. This has been able to be reduced thanks to training the drivers in environmentally friendly driving techniques and optimal maintenance of the machines.
• The Summit association, which works to promote environmentally responsible behaviour, has set up a poster and awareness campaign concerning the best environmental behaviour to adopt within the ski area and on walking trails.
• In collaboration with the Forestry Commission, each tree cut down on the ski area is accounted for (number of trees, volume in cubic metres). Compensatory measures are put in place and trees replanted in areas of the Chablais that need it, with local species such as spruce, fir, and larch. In total, 46 protective measures have been put in place for trees during 2020.
• All earthworks carried out are systematically compensated for by revegetation with grasses suited to the mountain environment especially for Grizzli piste and Nyon piste.
• The Montagne Verte association and the Morzine ski lifts (SA Pleney) organise a litter picking day at the end of the season.

Responsible Tourism

• The Tourist Office has activities on offer with an environmental theme or raising awareness of the mountain environment.
• Creation of an "eco-event" charter to ensure improved environmental responsibility of Morzine’s events.
• The destination has a Chablais Geopark label. It has a Natura 2000 zone and several wetlands.
• Numerous local businesses are committed in eco-responsible actions and using local produce.

A Green Village

• Many vehicles used by the civic services are now electric (small vehicle for watering, rubbish collection...).
• 2 recharge points have been put in place for electric cars (one near the tourist office and the other by the sports center).
• Utilisation raisonnée de sel en hiver sur les routes (service de météo performante pour prévoir les périodes de salage).
• No herbicides and pesticides are used for the maintenance of flowers and flowerbeds
• The communal buildings have been equipped with energy efficient collective wood fired heating systems.

 Awarded the respected Flocon Vert - For more sustainable mountain tourism

Morzine has been jointly awarded the Flocon Vert sustainability label with neighbouring Avoriaz. The accolade, which is awarded by the European organisation Mountain Riders, recognises destinations that demonstrate a commitment to a sustainable development policy. To date, only eight other destinations have been awarded the Flocon Vert label since its inception in 2011. The label is issued based on compliance with 20 criteria divided into four themes: local economy, social & cultural, governance & destination, and environment & natural resources. The two tourist offices worked together with local stakeholders to put into place a new joint strategy for sustainable development. The plan set out several ambitious initiatives, including changes to the urban planning process, the introduction of greener public transport systems, the creation of new pedestrian areas, traffic reduction measures, actions to help local business become greener, the improvement of walking and cycling routes, and a commitment to reduce the amount of waste created. It is with excitement and pride that the label has now been awarded in recognition of these efforts, which will continue in earnest and evolve in the years and decades ahead.
 
Find out more about Flocon vert : https://www.flocon-vert.org/