Protecting the exceptional

• Weight of global tourism in greenhouse gas emissions: 8% (Nature magazine, 2018)
• Weight of tourism in France: 11% (ADEME study, 2021)
• Carbon footprint of France’s 10 largest ski resorts (ADEME study, 2020) :
  • 57% transport (44% foreign visitors, 37% residents, 19% French)
  • 27% housing (heating, etc.)
  • 2% ski area (groomers, lifts, snow guns)

Unsurprisingly, even though every little bit counts, it’s transport and energy waste that need to be tackled first.

Contrary to popular belief, the ski area (snow groomers, ski lifts, snow guns) accounts for only a minor share of greenhouse gas emissions. But that doesn’t stop the resorts from working to further minimize the impact of skiing on the environment.

1. Transportation

I limit my travel to the other side of the planet and prefer modes of transport with less ecological impact whenever possible. Travel green to Tignes! Rely on the Tictactrip online planner to calculate a planet-friendly journey, favoring public transport (train, bus, carpooling).

Did you know?

For the same distance, trains pollute 8 times less than cars (and 14 times less than planes!).

Can’t travel by public transport (at least not this time)? There are ways to reduce the carbon impact of your journey: check your tire pressure, limit air conditioning use in summer, use your cruise control and shift gears quickly, travel light as much as possible… and check your itinerary carefully to limit detours! The Petit Saint Bernard pass, for example, is closed in winter. Another good idea is to take your whole family and friends with you, to limit the number of vehicles on the road.

2. Energy performance

I find out about the energy performance of my accommodation and make the effort to lower the inside temperature by 1°C (less energy consumed for similar comfort).

The right thing to do: air your home for ten minutes or so, then close the window to limit energy loss. 19°C is the ideal temperature for a good night’s sleep. So remember to turn down the heating in your accommodation before going to bed.

Did you know?

Renovated accommodation and collective accommodation (hotels, residences…) occupied to their maximum capacity have a lower carbon footprint than older, individual accommodation (or collective accommodation but little occupied). That’s why Tignes is committed to enhancing the value of its so-called 3froids3 beds (i.e., those that are rarely occupied, such as second homes), and to closely monitoring the indicators that measure the “yield of sustainable beds”.

Do you own a second home in Tignes? Why not rent it out? That way, your apartment will be occupied more regularly throughout the year (and therefore more “efficient”).

3. The equipment

I ask myself the right questions before investing in sports equipment and clothing (new or used? Lifespan? Ecodesign?).

The right idea: rent your ski equipment! You’ll be sure to have the latest equipment for every stay, but one that will be used by holidaymakers all winter long (and not just one week a year on your own ski trips). A saving in raw materials and energy not to be overlooked.

Bonus: no need to carry them with you (which simplifies train travel).

And of course, whether you’re on vacation or at home, keep up your good habits:

• Take showers rather than baths to save water (and turn off the water when brushing your teeth).
• Say goodbye to plastic bottles and remember to pack your water bottle: Tignes water comes directly from the Sassière heights, and it’s delicious!
• Sort your garbage (packaging, glass, cardboard, etc.) using the sorting garbage cans available in all areas of the resort.
• Take your papers, handkerchiefs, etc. with you to leave a clear space behind you after your picnic.
• Use our soft mobility solutions to get around Tignes: free shuttles (2100 and 1800), Dott electric scooters in summer, marked and safe footpaths and cycle paths…
• Activities, restaurants… Moderate your less reasonable leisure activities to enjoy them even more (for example: charcuterie is one of the pleasures of a ski vacation for non-vegetarians… but it’s not recommended to eat meat at every meal!)

In 2015, the Tignes ski area became the^1st in the world to be awarded the Green Globe label. In 2021, the resort is going one step further and will be awarded the Flocon Vert label! The aim: to commit to new, strong actions in favor of sustainable development, so that you can support responsible tourism during your vacations. And since 2022, it’s official: Tignes has been awarded the Flocon Vert label. This, rather than making us think we’re doing the right thing, actually makes us want to continue our efforts to improve our impact on the environment.

Green Snowflake is…

• 3 core values: exemplarity, consultation and independence
• 20 mandatory criteria divided into 4 sustainable themes: natural resources & ecology, governance & destination, local economy, social & cultural.
• 4 phases to validate: application, sustainable analysis, audit and Flocon Vert committee