Sustainability Award for Morzine-Avoriaz Ski Resorts

18th August 2021

Last modified on January 19th, 2023

The Flocon Vert sustainability label is awarded by the European organisation, Mountain Riders. It recognises destinations that demonstrate a commitment to a sustainable development policy.

To date only eight other destinations have been awarded the Flocon Vert label since it came into being in 2011.

They are Les Arcs, Megève, Valberg, Chamrousse, La Pierre Saint Martin, Les Rousses, Vallée de Chamonix and Châtel.

Flocon Vert translates as ‘green snowflake’.

The label is issued based on compliance with twenty criteria divided into four themes:

Local economy,
Social & cultural,
Governance & destination,
Environment & natural resources,

The bid process began with an analysis of the existing environmental actions and schemes in both resorts, detailing the positives and identifying areas for improvement.

The two tourist offices then worked together with local stakeholders to put into place a new joint strategy for sustainable development.

The plan set out several ambitious initiatives:

Changes to the urban planning process,
The introduction of greener public transport systems,
The creation of new pedestrian areas,
Traffic reduction measures,
Actions to help local business become greener,
The improvement of walking and cycling routes,
A commitment to reduce the amount of waste created.

Morzine, France. Image ©Ollie Godbold

The Flocon Vert committee approved the strategy and has been monitoring the progress made by the bid teams in Morzine and Avoriaz, with a final audit conducted in January 2021.

The official ceremony will be held in Morzine-Avoriaz on 9th September 2021.

“Gaining this award is an incredible achievement for Morzine & Avoriaz,” said Sara Burdon who led the project for the resort of Morzine.

“Well over a year of work together to gather information, create a strategy and action plan start putting improvements and new projects into place.

“We chose to go for Flocon Vert as it is a process of continuing development, with independent audits every 6 months as well as the main one every three years.

“We still have a lot to do but are delighted to see the actions so far being recognised, and very motivated to keep pushing forward.”

Image c/o Flocon Vert

Morzine based, not for profit organisation Montagne Verte existed prior to the Flocon Vert bid and works to reduce the environmental impact caused by residents, visitors and businesses in the resort.

Its goal is to encourage everyone to get involved, by providing all the information needed to help people be greener and to make environmentally friendly options more accessible.

This includes collaborating with local businesses in a drive to use more sustainable suppliers and engaging with the community through regular events and workshops.

As a result, most accommodation providers in Morzine now use eco-friendly cleaning products, with many opting for locally sourced materials and an increasing number growing their own food.