On Thursday 12 December 2024, the resort of Méribel and its ‘Méribel 2038’ project were honoured with the award of two ‘Flocon Vert’, a label of excellence which rewards exemplary mountain destinations in terms of ecological transition. Created in 2013 by the Mountain Riders association, the Flocon Vert is a recognised benchmark for resorts committed to sustainable development. It is based on a global and demanding approach, built around criteria covering key themes such as governance, the local economy, social and cultural dynamics, and the management of natural resources. To obtain this distinction, candidate resorts must demonstrate a clear and coherent commitment via a rigorous process including a shared diagnosis, an independent audit and validation by a committee of experts.
More than a simple certification, the ‘Flocon Vert’ imposes a dynamic of continuous improvement, with regular assessments to guarantee that the commitments made are respected. Awarded for a period of three years, this label has become a symbol of trust and responsibility, for residents and visitors alike.
This distinction, which is particularly prestigious for a first award, is awarded on a scale of up to three stars, and is only awarded to a select few. To date, of the 32 resorts that have been awarded this label, only 8 have reached this level. With the arrival of Méribel in this restricted circle, there are now 11.
This double ‘Flocon Vert’ award symbolises Méribel’ s deep-rooted, practical commitment to responsible, sustainable tourism, an approach that is part of a collective dynamic involving all the local players. This success is closely linked to the structuring ‘Méribel 2038’ programme, launched in 2021, which embodies an ambitious and innovative vision for the future of the resort.
Recognition of the ‘Méribel 2038’ ambition and vision
The award of two ‘Flocon Vert’ to the resort of Méribel is based first and foremost on the robustness and ambition of the ‘Méribel 2038’ project, an innovative partnership initiative launched in 2021 by Les Allues town council, the resort’s institutional supporter. Designed as a response to today’s environmental, social and economic challenges, the aim of the “Méribel 2038 ’ project is to anchor the region in a structured and exemplary ecological transition over the long term. What makes it unique is its ability to bring together a wide range of players: local authorities, tourism professionals, associations, local residents and institutional partners.
To date, 17 official partners – with 2 additional ones in the process of being added – are actively involved in this approach, drawing on their expertise and resources to roll out an ambitious and progressive action plan. This plan, covering an initial period from 2022 to 2025, is based on 106 concrete actions, divided into 4 strategic areas and broken down into 32 operational objectives. These actions target key priorities for the ecological and social transition: ensuring effective collective governance, reducing the carbon footprint, preserving natural resources and strengthening social ties within the local community.
Unlike many destinations that rely on the ‘Flocon Vert’ label to structure their transition strategy, Méribel has been able to stand out thanks to an already well-established project. This unique positioning was a decisive asset in its application, illustrating a proactive and rigorously planned approach.
For local players, the ‘Flocon Vert’ label was a valuable opportunity: it enabled them to assess the dynamics underway, to measure the relevance of the actions undertaken and to situate Méribel in a comparative reference framework with other mountain resorts. This recognition consolidates the legitimacy of ‘Méribel 2038’while strengthening the confidence of stakeholders in the area’s ability to adapt to the tourism challenges of tomorrow.
‘Méribel 2038’: concrete actions for an exemplary ecological transition
The “Méribel 2038 ’ programme is distinguished by a series of tangible, collaborative initiatives that reflect the resort’s strong commitment to a sustainable future. Structured around several strategic axes, this global plan illustrates a clear desire to make Méribel a pilot destination in terms of ecological transition. Here are some of the major achievements:
‘Méribel 2038’ and the protection of local species
In partnership with the Vanoise National Park, the neighbouring communes of the 3 Vallées and the ski lift companies, Méribel is actively working to preserve emblematic species such as the black grouse, the golden eagle and the rock ptarmigan. The signing of the Avifauna agreement in January 2022 has enabled innovative measures to be put in place, such as the fitting of GPS tags to certain birds. This invaluable data is used to adapt human activities, in particular the development of slopes and the management of ski lifts, to minimise the impact on natural habitats.
Méribel is also working with the National Park’s scientific programmes to study the effects of climate change, particularly on the Saut mountain, and has set up environmental observatories in conjunction with the ski area operators. In this way, the resort has established itself as a veritable open-air scientific laboratory, actively contributing to research and the preservation of ecosystems.
‘Méribel 2038’ andsustainable mobility
Significant progress has been made in promoting environmentally-friendly mobility:
- Cable transport, such as the Chalets cable car (250,000 passengers in one season) and the Olympus cable car, now benefit from extended timetables.
- The free shuttle buses, which run entirely on HVO fuel, have had their timetables extended, and a new transport loop has been created in the centre of the resort.
- The promotion of car-sharing, supported by inter-communal funding via Blablacardaily, is also booming.
- In the ski area, all snow groomers now run on HVO, while light vehicles are beginning the transition to electric power.
A sustainable mobility plan is currently being drawn up to harmonise these efforts and develop a long-term vision.
Structuring environmental action
Méribel is deploying structural frameworks to define environmental objectives and make collective progress:
- Adoption of a sustainable purchasing strategy for the commune and Méribel Tourisme.
- Creation of a charter for organising eco-responsible events, gradually adopted by all local events.
- Creation of a steering committee dedicated to the ‘Flocon Vert’ label, guaranteeing rigorous monitoring of actions.
Energy transition
The resort has modernised 93% of its public lighting, opting for low-energy LED systems, thereby considerably reducing its electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, sustained efforts are being made to :
- Energy-efficient renovation of buildings.
- Optimise the energy management of the ski area through practices such as low-carbon grooming and rational management of equipment.
- Install photovoltaic power plants on key infrastructures, such as ski lift stations.
Preserving natural resources
Sustainable management of water, waste and the natural environment involves a broad coalition of players, including :
- Optimisation of drinking water networks, with remarkable results in terms of reducing leakage.
- An ambitious waste management policy, implemented by the intermunicipality, with the installation of instrumented voluntary drop-off points, reducing collection rounds by almost 25%.
- A partnership with theOffice National des Forêts and Compagnie des Alpes, enabling the replanting of almost 7 hectares of forest, with a diversification of species to strengthen their resilience in the face of climate change.
Citizen participation
Finally, the “Méribel 2038 ’ programme promotes citizen participation by directly involving residents and visitors in local decision-making:
- Regular public meetings and digital consultations are used to gather the opinions of the population.
- Two calls for citizen projects have already been launched, stimulating local innovation and collective ownership of environmental issues.
