A pioneer in terms of sustainable development, eco and environmental-friendly, Flaine continues to launch innovative measures 50 years on.
The first mountain resort to be equipped with mains gas, the first to bury its electric cables, to get cable TV, to install artifical snowmaking equipment...Flaine was at the cutting edge right from the word go. As far as getting around this car-free resort is concerned, everything can be easily reached on foot, on skis, by shuttlebus or thanks to 2 inclined lifts.
Unique in France: the Environmental Observatory
In 2007, Flaine ski area decided to establish an environmental observatory, which is now being extended throughout the Grand Massif.
With an aim to protect and respect the exceptional natural heritage, it covers 4,219 hectares over 5 different municipalities. Its goal is to carry out exhaustive research and counts on biodiversity in all its forms: landscape, flora and fauna. This snapshot of the local biodiversity makes it possible to track growth in a factual way, to find solutions to preserve the natural environment or restore it to its original state, and to preserve zones noted as problematic by the observatory. It places great importance on its desire to be exemplary in the way actions are implemented with regards the authorities and the regulations that are in place, taking a groundbreaking approach to its projects.
The work carried out comprises three areas: observations, understandings and actions.
A Green Globe-certified ski area
The Grand Massif is the first ski resort in the world to bear the Green Globe certification; in recognition of the efforts made by companies and organisations committed to sustainable tourism. Like 450 international tourism-focused businesses, the Grand Massif Ski Area bears the Green Globe certification, which highlights sustainable development and the resort’s key values, including:
- Running an environmental observatory, the only one of its kind in France (see below)
- An environmental policy that aims to prevent pollution and reduce its impact, as much in day-to-day activities as in the planning and development of the ski area.
