Preserving the mountains has been part of Les Arcs Bourg Saint-Maurice’s DNA since its founding. Today, this commitment is being built collectively with the municipality, the Domaine de Montagne, the Tourist Office, local businesses, residents, and visitors. Discover the initiatives being carried out across the destination and the simple steps you can take to help, together, create a more sustainable and well-preserved mountain environment.
A collective effort
Les Arcs / Bourg Saint Maurice were born out of a simple conviction: the mountains are an exceptional heritage that must be preserved just as much as they must be enjoyed.
From the very beginning, the resort’s founders, Roger Godino and Robert Blanc—supported in particular by Charlotte Perriand—envisioned a destination that would blend seamlessly into its surroundings. This innovative vision prioritized high-density development to leave as much space as possible for landscapes and natural areas.
More than 50 years later, this philosophy continues to guide our decisions.
Because environmental challenges cannot be tackled alone, we have chosen to act collectively. The municipality, the mountain resort, the Tourist Office, lodging providers, local businesses, residents, and visitors all play a part in building a more sustainable mountain community.
Our ambition is not to be perfect. It evolves, year after year, through concrete, measurable, and shared actions.
The Green Snowflake Label
This collective effort is now recognized by the Flocon Vert label, which supports mountain destinations committed to a transition process.
In 2020, Les Arcs Bourg Saint-Maurice became the first resort in Savoie to earn this distinction. In 2025, the destination reached a new milestone by earning two Flocons, recognizing its ambitious and sustainable environmental strategy.
This certification is not an end in itself. It provides a rigorous framework that drives us to continually improve in four key areas:
- Preserving natural resources;
- Supporting the local economy;
- Developing responsible governance;
- Promoting tourism that respects the mountains.
Our Initiatives
Les Arcs’ environmental commitments do not rely on a single organization. They are the result of a collective effort in which everyone does their part.
Building Differently
Because the best construction is often the one we avoid, the destination has chosen to prioritize the renovation of its existing housing stock rather than the creation of new accommodations.
Rethinking Mobility
Transportation is the main source of carbon emissions associated with mountain vacations.
To support this transition, Les Arcs has been developing solutions that promote low-carbon travel for several years:
- Expansion of rail service;
- Partnerships with SNCF and OUIGO;
- Free funicular rides in winter upon presentation of an SNCF train ticket, and free in summer for pedestrians and paragliders;
- Expansion of sustainable transportation options throughout the region.
Today, 25% of vacationers already arrive by train, which is well above the national average.
Promoting more responsible tourism
Beyond transportation, the destination is taking action on many other fronts to reduce its environmental impact:
- Limiting fireworks displays to two events per year (July 14 and December 31);
- Ending the partnership with an automaker to promote sustainable and public transportation more freely;
- Developing housing specifically for seasonal workers;
- Promoting visitors from nearby regions, particularly in France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands, which are accessible by train;
- Supporting accommodation providers in their environmental initiatives.
All of these initiatives contribute to building a more balanced and sustainable tourism industry.
The Mountain Estate's Commitment
The Domaine de Montagne Les Arcs / Peisey-Vallandry also pursues an ambitious environmental policy, recognized in particular by its B Corp certification.
Its initiatives focus on four key priorities.
Reducing its carbon footprint
Since 2022, direct CO₂ emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) have decreased by 80.9%.
This reduction is largely due to the switch of the entire snow groomer fleet to HVO fuel, which emits significantly fewer greenhouse gases.
The goal is also to encourage more visitors to travel by train, with a target of 30% of vacationers arriving by rail by 2030.
Preserving Natural Resources
Water management is a major challenge.
Artificial snowmaking is limited to 50% of the ski area, with an annual cap set at 600,000 m³ of water, ensuring the responsible use of this resource.
The resort is also continuing to expand its use of renewable energy, with a goal of 25% renewable electricity by 2030.
Preserving Biodiversity
The mountains are a living environment as much as a recreational area.
To limit the impact of infrastructure on wildlife, the goal is to equip 100% of ski lifts with bird-detection beacons by 2030.
The resort is also committed to preserving its natural areas, 85% of which remain undeveloped.
Supporting the local community
Beyond its tourism operations, the resort contributes to local development.
In 2025, €400,000 was invested in projects related to biodiversity, research, environmental transition, and community life.
Awareness-raising initiatives are also offered throughout the year to promote a better understanding of the mountain’s natural riches.
Want to get involved?
Every visitor can do their part to help preserve this exceptional area.
A few simple steps can help reduce the impact of your visit while still allowing you to fully enjoy the mountains.
Choose low-carbon transportation options
Traveling by train, using the funicular, taking the free shuttles, or carpooling are all ways to significantly reduce your vacation’s carbon footprint.
Take your trash home
In the mountain resort, trash cans are intentionally limited to prevent them from being scattered by the wind and to minimize the frequent trips required for collection.
The best kind of waste is the kind you take back down with you. Recycling stations are available in several buildings throughout the resort.
Choose eco-conscious accommodations
More and more accommodations are highlighting their environmental commitments. Les Arcs is also supporting the development of the Environmental Label to help vacationers make more informed choices.
Support local businesses
Supporting local producers, shops, and restaurants; choosing seasonal products; avoiding plastic bottles; and reducing food waste are all actions that directly benefit the local economy and the environment.
Rent or Reuse Your Gear
Renting skis and clothing through the Picture service, buying secondhand clothing, or extending the lifespan of your gear also helps reduce your environmental impact.
