The Les Menuires resort, located in the Belleville valley, is setting an example of social and environmental responsibility in the tourist industry. Through a series of concrete initiatives, the resort is demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development, covering both environmental and social aspects. Far from just being a top ski destination, Les Menuires takes a holistic approach to land management, including the management of natural resources, social inclusion and the well-being of seasonal workers. To illustrate these points, we spoke to Marlène Giacometti, Director of the Les Menuires Tourist Office, who gave us her insightful view of the actions taken by the resort.
A commitment structured around Flocon Vert
The Flocon Vert label, initiated by the Belleville commune, is central to the resort’s sustainable development strategy. This label, recognised in the tourism industry for its sustainability requirements, guides the resort’s actions in four main areas: natural, human, social and societal. Initially focused on environmental management (energy, water, carbon footprint), the label has expanded to include social aspects, such as the attractiveness of the area for permanent and seasonal residents.
One outstanding example is water and energy management. The resort has introduced solar panels and public lighting management solutions to reduce energy consumption, with a clear objective of cutting the resort’s overall energy consumption by 30%. This rigorous energy management is accompanied by initiatives to raise awareness among holidaymakers, such as an eco-responsible guide distributed in accommodation, reminding them of simple but effective gestures, like turning down the heating by 1°C to save up to 7% energy.
“We have also audited 47 of the local authority’s public buildings in order to draw up an energy renovation plan. We are implementing solutions to reduce energy consumption, such as using biomass to heat our new wellness centre, or recovering heat from wastewater for our swimming pools”, explains Marlène Giacometti.
Inclusion and well-being of seasonal workers: a priority
As well as the environment, social inclusion is an essential pillar of the resort’s actions. Les Menuires strives to create a welcoming environment for its seasonal workers. “We have around 5,000 seasonal workers every winter, including 700 dedicated accommodation units. This accommodation, managed by the company AGIBEL and run by the town council, is essential to attracting and looking after these seasonal workers, a particularly sensitive population“, explains Marlène Giacometti.
The centre offers help with a wide range of issues, including administrative formalities, tax advice, health and even addiction prevention.
The 700 accommodation units for seasonal workers are proof of the municipality’s commitment to providing a decent, stable living environment for these essential workers. The resort of Les Menuires has also developed a “seasonal card” enabling seasonal workers to benefit from discounts at many local shops, making their daily lives easier and strengthening their attachment to the resort.
Accessibility and solidarity in Les Menuires
Les Menuires doesn’t forget the vulnerable, and stands out for its inclusion of people with disabilities. Around 70% of the ski lifts are accessible to people with reduced mobility, and 17 specialist instructors are trained to accompany them. Every year, the resort organises the “Trophée de l’Espoir”, an event which raises funds to finance sports equipment adapted for disabled people, such as ski chairs.
The resort also works closely with local associations to improve the accessibility of its accommodation. Every year, a guide to accessible accommodation is updated, listing hotels and residences that meet wheelchair accessibility standards.
Health and well-being in Les Menuires: an innovative medical centre
Aware that the well-being of local residents and seasonal workers is essential, the resort has opened a unique medical centre, staffed by specialist salaried doctors.
“We were the first resort to set up a medical practice with salaried doctors. This practice is essential not only for holidaymakers, but also for local residents and seasonal workers. Thanks to our collaboration with Albertville hospital, we can offer optimum medical care, even for serious emergencies”, explains Marlène Giacometti.
This innovative model illustrates the resort’s desire to guarantee a safe and healthy environment for everyone, whether they are residents, holidaymakers or seasonal workers.
A sustainable vision for the future
Les Menuires’ initiatives don’t stop there. The resort is currently working on a project to develop four-season tourism, with the creation of a Bicycle Master Plan, backed by a €3 million investment over ten years. The aim is to diversify the tourist offering while preserving the environment, confirming the resort’s desire to position itself as a major player in sustainable mountain tourism.
“Our guiding principle is to continue to make pragmatic progress through the working groups. The aim is to be recognised as an area where it’s good to live and work. Our actions are not just for holidaymakers, but also for local residents and seasonal workers.”
“As Director of the Les Menuires Tourist Office, my role is no longer just to fill the hotels and slopes. Today, I say that my job is also to fill the crèches! The aim is to make the valley a living place, a great place to stay, work and live all year round“, concludes Marlène Giacometti.
