That's La Plagne
Sustainability in La Plagne: Eco-friendly Skiing and CSR
If you're a family of avid skiers and snowboarders, like my family, you know the thrill of hitting the slopes and making unforgettable memories in the snow. But there's something equally important that should be on our radar when we're out enjoying the beauty of the mountains: sustainability.
My family and I live in La Plagne, a French Alpine ski resort. La Plagne is one of the world's biggest ski areas and understands this responsibility all too well. When the La Plagne Press Release for winter 23/24 was released, I was so pleased to see the level of their ongoing sustainability commitments, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and eco-friendly initiatives for the 2023/24 season.
I’ve pulled together the main elements from the report here for you. So when you choose La Plagne for your ski holiday, you know that you are choosing a green, eco-friendly ski resort to visit.
Join behind the scenes today and get the insider scoop
La Plagne: sustainable snow activities
La Plagne is taking a giant leap forward in sustainable snow activities, making sure that our winter playground remains pristine for generations to come. From snowshoe hikes to moon biking under the starry Alpine sky, the resort is redefining how we experience the snow. Some of the highlights?
Snowshoe hikes: This slower activity has been around longer than skiing.But whilst it’s been in the background for a while, snowshoeing is experiencing a bit of a renaissance in our ski resorts. It’s interesting to see more focus on this green activity and an emphasis on how to explore ski resorts and the backcountry in a way that respects the local environment.
FInd out more about snowshoeing in La Plagne.
Moon bikes: Have you seen Moon Bikes? They are the electric version of the older, petrol driven ski-doos. This winter, in the Savoie, Moon Bikes have been recognised in a separate business category to ski-doos. Why does this matter? Because the Savoyard ski resorts can now increase the amount of Moon Bikes rides they can promote in their resorts. Moon Bikes are electric, so are not reliable on carbon fuels. But they are also quieter, meaning you can explore the ski resort without disturbing the local wildlife.
Igloo building: An activity that not only immerses you in the mountain environment but also educates you about the importance of preserving it. I know this is something that both my kids and I would love to spend a snowy afternoon doing.
Slow living: An immersive and sustainable experience at the charming Village Plan Bois. Plan Bois is a base camp for multiple different business owners with similar, eco-friendly mentalities. You can choose to stay overnight, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the mountain atmosphere. And if you're up for some unique experiences, how about embarking on sled dog rides led by the expert Steve Samson from Ecrin de Baloo? It's a thrilling way to explore the snow-covered landscape while forging a connection with these incredible animals.
Alternatively, if you're looking for a more serene and mindful experience, you can delve into the world of ski sophrology in the forest with Katine Fromaget, a skilled ski instructor and sophrologist. It's a holistic way to connect with nature and find your inner balance amidst the stunning Alpine scenery. Village Plan Bois offers not just skiing but a harmonious blend of adventure and wellness, all while keeping sustainability at the forefront of your journey and experience.
La Plagne: supporting local businesses
In La Plagne, we don't just encourage sustainable fun; the resort also supports local businesses. From quaint grocery shops like L’Aurtefoy, opening in Landry this autumn. To charming restaurants focused on local produce, recipes and traditions. These small businesses are often the heart of mountain communities. By choosing them, you're contributing to the local economy and helping these entrepreneurs thrive. It's a win-win!
You can read more about small and independent mountain businesses in my La Plagne gift-guide.
La Plagne: moving the La Plagne glacier gondola
As you might have seen in my recent article, the glacier in La Plagne is getting a facelift for winter 23/24. A new 10-seat gondola will be running from opening day on December 16th 2023. One of the big reasons for the new glacier gondola is climate change and its effect on the snow conditions, permafrost winder glacier conditions.
You can read in much more detail here all about the new La Plagne Glacier ski lifts.
La Plagne: sustainable travel
La Plagne is encouraging visitors to leave a smaller carbon footprint. Forget flying to your ski holiday; instead, opt for the train or bus. In fact, La Plagne's own travel agency now exclusively offers train and bus travel in its all-inclusive packages for long journeys.
Worried about lugging your ski gear on your long journey? Don't be – La Plagne are keen to reassure you that you can take your ski gear on the buses and trains! They also want you to leave your car behind and use the excellent, free La Plagne shuttle bus transport system, reducing emissions and traffic congestion.
JENS TOP TIP: Get yourself some base layers that you love. I spend 90% of my winter season in my base layers, wearing them as activewear and leggings to and from my kids’ ski school (and normal school) drop-offs. Some of my favourite base layer brands that are functional and look great are Eivy, OOSC and Mons Royale. I’ve personally owned all these baselayers and worn them to death. They can be pricey, so check out sites like Vinted and WhoSki.com.
La Plagne: protecting the environment
La Plagne is committed to protecting its local and mountain environment. Did you know that 25% of the La Plagne resort is communal/public forest land. Plus even more private forestry land. The forestry in La Plagne covers over 7000 hectares! The La Plagne ski resort works closely with the National Forestry Commission to ensure that skiing activities do not encroach on these precious areas.
As well as the OFC, the Environmental Observatory, established in 2014, safeguards local species and even relocates them to safer habitats when needed. It's a powerful testament to their commitment to preserving the natural beauty around us.
La Plagne: sustainable ski gear
When it comes to ski gear, La Plagne is now actively promoting eco-friendly options, both in resort and before you arrive. Consider wooden skis from Manu Chalopin at Gueule de Bois, rent children's equipment from Yapu-K in Montchavin & Les Coches, or rent ski clothing from Ski Hut in the resort. Did you know, renting your kids ski gear from the Ski Hut in Plagne Centre can cost as little as 7€ per day (42€ for a 6 day ski holiday)!
Then, if you're into thrifting, check out second hand ski gear at the Antropia shop in Aime La Plagne. And remember, repairing your clothing is often more sustainable than replacing it – you can do just that with GoodLoop, available at Belle Plagne Sports.
You can also find out more about renting baby, toddler and kids’ toys, books, cots, highchairs and more with AlleyOops in La Plagne.
La Plagne: zero waste day and sustainability awards
In June 2023, La Plagne organized an impressive Zero Waste Day. My family and I joined over 350 participants across five separate locations. We were based in Plagne Centre, but there were other points in Montchavin and Montalbert, for example. Together, we collected over a tonne of rubbish in just 1.5 hours! Which is equally incredible and also shocking that this much rubbish had been simply dumped on the La Plagne slopes. The La Plagne Zero Waste Day really was a true community effort to keep the mountain environment pristine.
And the recognition doesn't stop there. La Plagne was awarded the prestigious Zero Carbon Mountain award in April 2023, acknowledging their ongoing commitment to sustainability. La Plagne is actively working towards the coveted Flocon Vert label from the Mountain Riders Association, a true testament to the dedication of our French ski resorts towards a greener future.
That’s La Plagne & the La Plagne ski resort sustainability measures for winter 23/24
La Plagne is not only a beacon for skiing and snow lovers but it is also becoming a great example of how sustainability and corporate social responsibility should be integrated into the ski industry. From sustainable activities to supporting local businesses and promoting eco-friendly gear, La Plagne is leading the way towards a more responsible and enjoyable winter wonderland.
So, when you plan your next ski holiday, consider La Plagne – where the future truly is in our hands. Let's ski sustainably and preserve our mountains for generations to come!
Read more about the La Plagne sustainability commitments
- La Plagne Press Release Winter 23/24
- La Plagne CSR Report
- Compagnie des Alpes (CDA) the managing company of the La Plagne ski resort: CDA Climate commitments
- Presentation at Ski Launch 2023 from Sandra Picard, Brand and Communications Director for Compagnie des Alpes
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