Développement durable

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A CONTINUING CONCERN

It is impossible today to open a magazine, turn on the TV or surf the net without hearing about "sustainable development". The 3 Valleys are no exception to this rule, with the sole difference being that sustainable development is not a fad but a state of mind.

It wasn't by chance that the geographical location of the 3 Valleys was chosen over 60 years ago as an ideal place to create an interconnected ski area. The 3 Valleys combine all the assets that are essential for the development of winter sports:
- 3 parallel valleys that are home to various mountain passes, resulting in increased links between each valley
- 85% of the area is located above an altitude of 1800 metres, ensuring guaranteed snow
- many glaciers surround the area: Peclet, Gébroulaz, Borgne and Bouchet

All of the mountain professionals in the 3 Valleys ares aware of the need to protect its natural heritage; the development of skiing is an example of this.
The artificial snow used in France consists only of air and water, no additives are used in contrast to other countries.
The snow cannons in the 3 Valleys are ultra modern, leading to considerable savings in water and electricity whilst optimizing performance.
The water used for snowmaking is UV filtered in order to eliminate any bacterial or microbial risks.

The ski lifts run on electricity, part of which is renewable from wind and hydropower sources. Over the last 15 years, many ski lifts have been replaced by more efficient models. This has reduced the total number of lifts and therefore the visual impact, whilst improving passenger flow.
Recycling is also omnipresent in the 3 Valleys; each resort has set up recycling facilities and the ski patrol service systematically recycles the motor oil used by the piste groomers and municipal workshops.