Environment

Biodiversity and landscapes

In collaboration with the Office National des Forêts (ONF) and the Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB), Vars is implementing concrete actions to reduce its environmental footprint. From replanting trees to protecting species and habitats, discover how Vars reconciles progress and ecology to offer a sustainable and responsible tourism experience.

Published on 15 December 2023

Protection

Biodiversity

As part of its commitment to preserving its beloved mountain territory, the Vars ski resort has undertaken to implement compensatory measures linked to the work on the ski lifts. In collaboration with the ONF (Office national des forêts) and the OFB (Office français de la biodiversité), the actions undertaken are guided by respect for the alpine ecosystem, which underlines the importance of reconciling the development of our resort with the preservation of biodiversity.

Vars Villages Photo Credit Remi Morel 3 1

When Vars takes action…

> Reforestation of old lines: 1 tree cut = 10 trees replanted.

> Over 6,600 tree seedlings planted in all impacted areas. Silvicultural work: stripping an area of 3.6 hectares in Peynier to encourage the growth of larch-type species.

> Protection and dense planting of larches and cembro pines in habitat areas for the Lyre Grouse: 5 hectares protected following a diagnosis carried out in 2018, confirming the presence of the species and setting up a monitoring procedure (species marking) and nesting. Within 15 to 20 years, these trees will form a natural barrier that skiers will have to bypass.

> Protection of habitat trees, in particular for black grouse, with the installation of bird beacons on ski lift cables to warn of possible collisions.

> Protecting areas of protected flora (woolly bergamot and arctic rush).

> Protection of wetlands during summer work on slope and lift development projects. Some wetlands that atrophy over time also benefit from compensatory measures designed to restore them.

Preservation

landscapes

As part of the restructuring of the lift network, snow removal operations are being carried out to better manage the flow of skiers. The new installations, including the wooden snow gates, are designed to blend harmoniously into the landscape, with a focus on eco-responsibility and cleanliness. Before the winter season, a litter-picking operation is organized throughout the resort to maintain the cleanliness and natural beauty of our mountains.

“205 pylons, over 30 kilometers of cable and several hundred kilos of garbage were removed from the heart of the resort. All the power lines were also buried. [Christian Reverbel, Director of Sem Sedev, the Vars ski lift company]”.

Always more

An eco-responsible approach

Numerous measures are taken to reduce our environmental footprint.

To find out more