In Valmeinier, we campaign for responsible tourism that respects the environment. When you come to Maurienne, enjoy an exceptional natural environment, wild but also fragile. The fauna and flora of the Alps are treasures to be preserved. Here are some tips and practical ideas to adopt during your stay so that our beautiful mountains retain this extraordinary biodiversity in future years.
Sustainable tourism is tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, meeting the needs of visitors, professionals, the environment and host communities.
Prioritize soft mobility
Even on vacation, it is important to have an eco-responsible behavior. It all starts with travel. To get to Valmeinier, take the train if you can. With the Saint-Michel Valloire station at the bottom of the valley, you will only have to take a shuttle to reach the station.
Once there, do not use your car for short trips. Whether on foot, by bike or with the Skibus shuttle network, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to getting around Valmeinier. In particular, take advantage of the free shuttles to go to Haut de Station or Valmeinier Villages. Paid shuttles can also take you to Valloire or Saint-Michel de Maurienne at the bottom of the valley.
Be respectful of the environment
The mountain is full of surprises and wonders. When you venture there, be aware that your presence can disrupt this ecosystem. In addition, here are some recommendations to follow during your outings:
- Do not feed the animals you come across.
- Do not pick flowers or plants if it is prohibited as in some national or regional parks. If in doubt, stay away!
- Make your passage as discreet as possible, both materially (do not throw any waste in nature) and sound, so as not to disturb the tranquility of the animals, in summer as in winter.
- Do not approach the herds which are generally guarded by patous. These protection dogs are not trained to be aggressive but they are educated to be dissuasive. If you come across one, do not confront it and calmly walk away.
- Keep dogs on a leash so as not to disturb wild animals or patous.
- Find out about the no-go zones for lighting a campfire. If the regulations authorize it, be careful to control the extent of your fire and that it does not damage the environment where you are installed.
- Show respect for cultural heritage (chapels, crosses, fountains, bridges, oratories, cabins, etc.). Observe or photograph it but in no case leave a trace of your passage. Of course, do not take any objects from these buildings.
Valmeinier, a Natura 2000 site
The commune of Valmeinier spreads over tens of kilometres, including in particular the majestic Mount Tabor. In summer, there are many hikes in the heart of this area which is part of the Natura 2000 network. These areas are treasures to be preserved where the fauna and flora are varied.
Fundamental tools of the European policy for the preservation of biodiversity, Natura 2000 sites aim to better take into account the challenges of biodiversity in human activities. These sites are designated to protect a number of habitats and species representative of European biodiversity.
The approach of the Natura 2000 network favors the collective search for a balanced and sustainable management of spaces that takes into account economic and social concerns:
- Human activities and infrastructure projects are possible in Natura 2000 sites. To avoid activities detrimental to biodiversity, projects likely to have an impact on protected species and habitats must be subject to prior assessment;
- On a day-to-day basis, the management of Natura 2000 sites is based on a participatory approach by local stakeholders. A steering committee defines conservation objectives and management measures for each site, which are then implemented in the form of charters and contracts co-financed by the European Union.
Consume local
The Maurienne and more generally Savoy are full of specialties, each more delicious than the next. Trust local producers and traders during your stay. Taste the tasty cheeses for which the region is famous, take home a local wine as a souvenir, let yourself be tempted by the Savoyard specialties offered by our many restaurants...
In Valmeinier, the Mount Tabor Farm as well as the artisanal micro-brewery The Gwape will be happy to welcome you and show you how they work within their place of production.
Beyond these local productions, take advantage of the purity of tap water in Valmeinier. Do not buy plastic bottles, which involve unnecessary transport and waste. Help yourself directly from your residence with water coming straight from the surrounding mountains.
Also pay attention to your consumption. Water resources are not unlimited. Do not abuse its use as when you shower for example.
Pick up and recycle your waste
During your outings, be sure not to leave any waste behind. If you're hiking long enough, have something to store and throw away when you return.
Also remember to recycle your waste during your stay. Many bins are available throughout the resort. Unfortunately, there is far too much waste every year once spring arrives and the snow has melted. Sorting is everywhere and all year round.
Valmeinier is committed to the “Mountain Zero Waste” operation
Launched by Mountain Riders, an association for education in ecological transition, this program aims to raise awareness and encourage people to take action to clean up and preserve our mountains from waste. Thus, several tons of waste are picked up and collected each year during these collection campaigns entitled “Zero Waste Mountain".
Reuse of equipment at the Valmeinier resource center
The Valmeinier Tourist Office provides you with various objects that can be useful to you during your stay within its resource center. So, before purchasing equipment in case you forget, you can borrow different items (baby bed, small appliances, etc.) for the duration of your stay.
