Nestling in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, Val Cenis is getting ready to welcome the 4th edition of ‘ Nature & Ski ’ with a new, more family-friendly format, a unique event that combines the pleasure of skiing with ecological awareness and educational discoveries. From 3 to 6 March 2025, this not-to-be-missed event offers a rich programme of activities designed to promote sustainable tourism and raise awareness among visitors, young and old, of the need to protect the Alpine environment.
Val Cenis, an exemplary resort in terms of sustainable development
Since being awarded the ‘Flocon Vert’ label in 2021, Val Cenis has established itself as a model resort in terms of sustainability. This label, which distinguishes destinations committed to an eco-responsible approach, has enabled the resort to develop the ‘ Nature & Ski ’ event, with a focus on environmental education and awareness-raising. As Yves Dimier, the resort’s director, explains: ‘ Visitors want to know more about the mountain environment, what’s being done to protect it and how they can help.
The resort’s flagship initiatives include:
- The first 100% electric snow groomer in France, due to come into service in 2024.
- A low-carbon chairlift, using advanced technologies to reduce emissions.
- Alternative fuels, such as HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil), tested on resort vehicles.
- Actions to protect flora and fauna, including the European Birdski project, which aims to protect the Black Grouse.
- Optimised management of artificial snow, using advanced software to reduce its environmental impact.
- Soft mobility encouraged via the directvalcenis.com website, which offers solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of visitors’ journeys.
- Raising visitors’ awareness through activities and events designed to educate them about environmental protection.
The Nature & Ski programme: activities for all tastes
The ‘ Nature & Ski ’ event is aimed at families, skiers and mountain lovers in search of meaning. The programme offers a variety of activities to help you learn while having fun:
Monday 3 March
- 2pm: Nature treasure hunt, a fun way to discover the treasures of the Vanoise National Park.
- 6pm: Round table on sustainable tourism with local players.
- 8pm: ‘Greenwashing Comedy Club’ show, an evening of committed humour to reflect on environmental challenges.
Tuesday 4th March
- 2pm-4pm: Entertainment village at the top of the Vieux Moulin cable car – fun and educational workshops on local flora and fauna.
Wednesday 5th March
- 2pm: Guided snowshoe outing, a guided immersion into the heart of snowy nature.
- 4pm: ‘Behind the scenes in the ski area’ workshop, to find out all about artificial snow and the issues involved.
- 6pm: Children’s show, a fun and educational way to raise awareness of the need to protect the mountains.
Thursday 6th March
- 4pm: Entertainment village, meetings with environmental experts and fun workshops.
- 7pm: Torchlight descent, a magical moment to round off the event.
Why choose Nature et Ski in Val Cenis?
In addition to its commitment to sustainable tourism, Val Cenis offers breathtaking scenery in the heart of the Vanoise National Park as well as unique offers to combat CO2 emissions:
- 57% of the municipality is protected, with exceptional biodiversity in the Vanoise National Park.
- Reducing CO2 emissions: €20 discount per person on ski passes of 6 days or more if you book via a combined train + bus transport solution on the Val Cenis site. This is a measure designed to reduce CO2 emissions linked to travel.
The ‘ Nature & Ski “ initiative is a perfect illustration of Val Cenis” vision of winter tourism in harmony with its environment. As Sébastien Bregeon, Head of the Haute Maurienne Vanoise Sector, points out:“Skiers are evolving in a fragile environment; it is essential to raise their awareness in order to preserve this precious balance. This event is a unique opportunity for visitors to go behind the scenes of a greener mountain and play an active part in protecting it.
