AN EXAMPLE OF AN ECO-STATION FOR A CONSERVED AREA
A pristine mountain resort with a natural character and a strong identity, the resort has been committed for many years to sustainable development and the conservation of its resources.
Its objectives are clearly defined and aim to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the resort’s tourism activities.
- Waste management and control
- Optimisation of energy and water consumption
- Pollution prevention
- Environmentally responsible procurement
- Environmental risk management
an exemplary area
In 2013, Les Rousses was the first French ski resort to be awarded the Flocon Vert label. This certification scheme aims to highlight the region’s commitment to a sustainable development strategy and follows on logically from the ISO 14001 certification obtained in 2011 by the Société de Gestion de la Station des Rousses (Sogestar). The label recognises the resort’s commitment to a process of continuous improvement on environmental issues and reflects the concrete measures put in place: clean energy, raising awareness of sustainable development, waste sorting, waste management, reducing energy consumption, and the preservation of biodiversity and water resources…
A PROTECTED AREA
Sogestar is closely linked to its local environment, as the activities it offers take place within a Regional Nature Park and in certain Natura 2000 sites. The Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park encompasses the highest peaks of the Jura Mountains. It is a land of contrasts, home to spectacular landscapes and unspoilt nature; a setting brimming with treasures; a region steeped in tradition and ancestral know-how.
MEASURES DESIGNED TO PROMOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Sogestar has taken steps to minimise its use of resources and energy as part of the sustainable development of its activities, particularly its winter activities. It has put in place effective measures to achieve this:
- The downhill ski runs are systematically prepared ahead of the season: re-seeding, mowing, regeneration and maintenance of woodland and agricultural land.
- Grooming plans are optimised using GPS tracking. They enable the snow to be groomed with precision, improve its grip on the slopes and ensure that artificial snow production is tailored as closely as possible to actual requirements.
- The snow groomers have been trained in eco-driving to significantly reduce fuel consumption.
- The capacity and opening times of the ski lifts are adjusted according to the number of visitors in the ski area.
soft mobility
In order to reduce the number of cars on its roads and minimise its carbon footprint, Les Rousses has set up a network of ski buses to help holidaymakers access outdoor activities, explore the villages, do their shopping, and enable those without a driving licence to get around freely. The ski bus is free for all holders of a valid ski pass.
It also offers holidaymakers travelling by train a ‘Vroom’ shuttle bus service from TGV stations every Saturday, running from Dijon, Dole and Morez stations to the resort.