by Lulu Sheard
With climate change at the forefront of many people’s minds, resorts are reacting to calls for them to become more eco-friendly. The large La Plagne ski area in France, for example, is introducing more measures to protect its Alpine landscape and reduce its environmental impact.
PHOTO: La Plagne/P. Augier
In 2014, La Plagne’s ski area operator launched an environmental observatory to help gain a better understanding of the biodiversity across the resort. Over the last five years, this has included the study of local fauna and 15 species of protected flowers.
La Plagne has also removed 175 ski lift pylons to make the area look more attractive and to help the wildlife.
Another approach used to cut down on the resort’s carbon footprint is the introduction of bio-fuel. This is used in the fleet of 30 groomers that go out between 5pm and 9am to prepare the 225km of piste for the next day. The drivers are also being given training on how to operate the machines in a more environmentally friendly way.
Even the resorts bobsleigh track has taken measures to increase its green rating. The ammonia used on the track has been replaced with glycol water. A protective cover is used to preserve track when it isn’t being used which also reduces energy production.
La Plagne uses its own local data to predict the daily avalanche risk. The risk is determined by the resort’s snow scientist based on daily snow samples, the weather forecast, advice from ski patrollers and identical scenarios observed in previous seasons.
PHOTO: www.louisgarnier.com
The resort is part of a unique landscape, shaped by hundreds of sinkholes where Swiss pine and larch trees grow. This environment is very delicate. For example, reforestation of the Swiss pine relies on spotted nutcracker birds forgetting where they previously hid pinecones when they go to find them in the winter. The hidden seeds are then able to germinate.
This area of extremely rare geological and natural formation is situated in the middle of the ski runs. It requires a great deal of attention to conserve the ZNIEFF listed (Natural Area of Special Ecological, Faunistic or Floristic Interest) area.
Guests can immerse themselves in the unique landscape by spending a night out in the elements on an overnight expedition at an igloo campsite. Trekking there on snowshoes, guests stay in an igloo similar to the ones dug out by Alpine hunters, where they will enjoy an aperitif followed by a delicious mountain dinner.
Taking a walk through the trees
Alternatively, there are guided sophrology-skiing trips. The resort is home to Karine, a ski instructor and sophrologist, who invented sophrology-skiing – a sport where guests go from the slopes into the forest to connect with nature.
As a sophrologist, Karine believes connecting with the trees has many wellbeing benefits, and will help people ski serenely, positively and with energy.
La Plagne’s ski and snowboard season is expected to begin on 12 December 2020 and ends on 30 April 2021.
For more information on La Plagne CLICK HERE
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