Four of the six largest ski regions in France are now reported to be powered by 100% green energy, in most cases using locally sourced hydro power.
Les Sybelles, one of the world’s biggest ski areas and the fourth biggest in France with more than 300km of slopes, nearly 150 runs and 70 ski lifts inter-connecting half-a-dozen resorts in the Maurienne region is the latest to announce that all of its electricity needs will be met by 100% renewable energy sources.
From this winter 2019-20 the region will receive 100% certified renewable electricity from local hydro-electric centres, as well as solar and wind power source, for all lifts, snowmaking and other operations thanks to a partnership with power company EDF.
The Three Valleys Lift Company which operates lifts in the world’s largest ski area the 3 Valleys including the skiing of Courchevel, Meribel, Les Menuires and Val Thorens, has been using 100% green electricity for more than 10 years.
The country’s third biggest, the Paradiski region combining the skiing of Les Arcs and La Plagne, has been using 100% renewable energy to power its ski lifts and other electrical needs since 2012.
The five resorts making up the Grand Massif ski area (Flaine, Samoens, Morillon, Les Carroz and Sixt), the country’s sixth biggest, have also been 100% green energy powered since 2016.