Tignes is committed to a more sustainable mountain

For Tignes, the mountains are a place to preserve, bring to life, and pass on to future generations. For several years now, the resort has been committed to an ambitious transition initiative through the Flocon Vert program. Led by the Mountain Riders association, the Flocon Vert is both a certification program and a framework for progress designed to support tourist destinations in their environmental and social transformation.

• Thinking About the Future Together
• Building a Local and Diversified Economy
• Living Together All Year Round
• Taking Care of Our Resources

Awarded for the first time in 2022, the first Flocon Vert marked an important milestone for the resort: the adoption of a structured, evaluated approach built around concrete actions.

Commitments That Are Evident on the Ground

In Tignes, this transition is taking shape on a daily basis. The development of alternative modes of transportation, improvements in waste sorting and management, reducing energy consumption, the creation of a “Charter for Committed Stakeholders” that brings together all resort professionals, and initiatives to promote biodiversity are all helping to gradually transform the resort’s habits and infrastructure.
The region is particularly notable for its strong diversification strategy centered on its lake, which enhances its appeal during the summer and boosts non-skiing activities. This approach also involves raising awareness and fostering collective action to work together toward building a more responsible destination.

1. Tignes is promoting sustainable transportation

Regional shuttle buses running year-round from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Travelski night trains, a new TGV service between Marseille and Bourg-Saint-Maurice during school breaks, free “soft mobility” shuttles (every 15 minutes) between villages, powered by HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) or electricity; shuttles connecting Tignes to Val d’Isère; electric scooters, chairlifts accessible to pedestrians, a greenway, electric vehicle charging stations, and the creation of a carpooling community.

2. Wildlife Protection Zones

33% of the territory is located within national nature reserves (Grande Sassière National Nature Reserve, Tignes-Champagny National Nature Reserve) and 10% lies within the Vanoise National Park. These are protected areas for wildlife, flora, and vulnerable species such as the black grouse and the mountain hare.

Wildlife quiet zones are currently being established (to be implemented in the winter of 2027). These are designated natural areas intended to protect wildlife from human disturbance.
They provide a vital refuge for sensitive animals during critical periods such as breeding, hibernation, or raising young. Every disturbance forces the animals to expend precious energy, which can jeopardize their survival (especially in winter when food is scarce).

3. Apricot pits to replace salt on sidewalks

To prevent slipping on the resort’s sidewalks in winter, Tignes uses crushed peach and apricot pits. These are bio-based materials of plant origin. This initiative protects the soil, surrounding waterways, and biodiversity, and covers a larger area than traditional salt.

4. Events to Raise Awareness and Take Action

Tignes hosts several socially conscious events, such as: Mountains & Science, Act for the Glaciers, Take Care of Your Mountain, Glacier Cleanup Operation, Sustainable Mountains Forum, film screenings and testimonials, exhibitions, workshops, and more…

5- Operation Tchao Mégot

Tignes is firmly committed to reducing and recycling cigarette butts in order to achieve its goal of a “zero litter mountain by 2030.” The “Tchao Mégot” initiative resulted in the recycling of 116,640 cigarette butts collected throughout the resort. This material was completely reprocessed and transformed into 32.8 kilograms of eco-friendly insulation for use in the construction and textile industries.

In Tignes, the transition is therefore taking place step by step, with a clear goal: to continue enjoying the mountains while taking care of what makes them unique.

A Comprehensive Approach to a Sustainable Region

Following a process of dialogue among all local stakeholders, a transition strategy for a sustainable community was developed around four pillars addressing different themes, with the goal of striking a balance between economic, environmental, and social considerations. This document, along with a full list of the actions taken, is available online on the Tignes Town Hall website.

More broadly, Tignes is preparing for the future and envisioning the mountains of tomorrow, so that residents can build a sustainable future in the region and visitors can find meaning in their vacations by enjoying responsible activities in an even more natural setting.

The adventure continues

Tignes is currently working toward earning a second Flocon Vert, with the goal of continuing the initiatives it has already undertaken and going even further. Because the Flocon Vert is not a finish line: it’s a process of continuous improvement that involves the resort, its businesses, its residents, and its visitors alike.

A snowflake today, maybe two tomorrow: in Tignes, this commitment is woven into the resort’s DNA.