Protect Biodiversity and Resources

Bird Protection

In partnership with the Vanoise National Park, the 3 Vallées municipalities and ski lift companies, a commitment has been made to preserve iconic bird species which frequent the ski areas in winter such as the black grouse, golden eagle and rock ptarmigan.

In January 2022, the signing of the Avifauna Convention enabled the implementation of monitoring systems, such as the installation of GPS tags on certain birds. This valuable data makes it possible to modify human activities in order to respect the habitats of these species, in particular, by planning ski slopes to allow for quiet zones, as well as to modify ski lift operation.

This agreement complements the scientific programmes conducted by the Vanoise National Park, including a major partnership dedicated to studying the effects of climate change on le Saut mountain.

Forest Diversification

More than 50% of the Méribel Valley is covered with forests, primarily spruce. Faced with bark beetle attacks, which are increasing with climate change, diversifying tree species has become a priority to protect wooded areas.

In addition to the diversification operations undertaken as part of the ongoing management of the municipal forest, a Low Carbon Label partnership between the Municipality, the ONF (French Forestry Office), and the Compagnie des Alpes has helped to boost this measure, with nearly 4.5 hectares of diversified forests replanted in 2023, representing more than 8,000 trees.

Environmental Monitoring

The two ski area operators have established their own environmental monitoring for several years, providing a better understanding of the area and the impact of the ski area’s activities on local flora and fauna. Initially, these surveys were used solely to understand and track the evolution of fauna, flora, and landscape. They have since been enhanced by experimental research programmes and in-depth monitoring of the results of compensatory measures.

• For Méribel Alpina, landscape monitoring now includes criteria regarding the level of restoration and biodiversity, going beyond the simple assessment of revegetation.
• For S3V, close monitoring of a protected species, the Alpine rock-jasmine, has identified favourable sites and potential zones. Monitoring has identified nearly 1,000 plants, doubling the initial count for this species, which only grows above 2,500m in this region.

Revegetation of the Slopes

Méribel is more than simply a ski resort; it is also an excellent summer destination. However, for winter visitors, it’s sometimes difficult to imagine the valley without its blanket of snow.

Thanks to piste revegetation efforts, which involve seeding the slopes as soon as the snow melts to encourage the regrowth of pastures that have been snow-covered for several months, the valley quickly regains a beautiful green blanket, ready for the summer season.

At the same time, ski lift companies are carrying out extensive landscape monitoring and post-construction restoration work so that summer visitors can fully enjoy the beauty of the valley’s landscape.

Local Beaufort Production

While the production of Beaufort d’Alpage cheese is becoming increasingly scarce, we are fortunate to have a Beaufort producer whose farm is located in the Plan de Tueda Nature Reserve, with herds grazing between the villages and the La Plagne plateau. To preserve this local expertise and production, a renovation project for the Tueda cheese cellar is currently under consideration. This project aims to improve production conditions while respecting the reserve’s protected environment.