Mountain resorts across France and abroad are rolling out a number of innovative solutions so that visitors can enjoy all the fun and pleasure of winter sports while helping protect the environment. Efforts to embrace the energy transition are clearly gaining traction in every ski area with the overriding aim of promoting an increasingly responsible range of all-season activities. Read on for a review and closer look at some of the inspiring initiatives that are being spearheaded across the Alps and in Switzerland, where resorts are harnessing wind, solar and hydroelectric power to shrink their environmental footprint while preserving mountain resources for a more sustainable future.

Renewable energy underlying ski resorts’ development strategies

Every year, towns and communities across the French Alps take a step further towards their ambition of incorporating a greater share of renewable energy sources. Mountain resorts are leaving no stone unturned into their determination to reduce their use of fossil fuel-based electricity. According to figures published in October 2024 by Domaines Skiables de France (DSF – national trade association for France’s ski areas), French ski resorts have achieved a 90% compliance rate with the 16 environmental commitments pledged by DSF, especially by driving innovation, using technology and leveraging the expertise of the different teams. The study highlights how decisions to invest in facilities and equipment, and upgrade existing assets have allowed them to lower their carbon footprint by using green electricity. Initiatives are also helping scale down the impact of the supporting infrastructure on the environment, especially on the pistes, while using a cleaner form of energy to manage each mountain resort’s resources more effectively.

Check out a previous article showcasing some of the standout examples in France, especially in L’Alpe d’Huez and Val Cenis

The Chamonix ski area, which is known as a “Positive Energy Valley” and which has also just hosted the second edition of the “Sustainable Mountain Summit”, is pursuing an innovation roadmap that involves developing its hydropower plants, bearing in mind that this part of the Alps is home to a large number of fast-flowing mountain rivers. Chamonix is also investing in solar power by fitting over 500 panels to the resort’s public buildings. Chamonix Valley uses 100% renewable electricity, mainly hydroelectric power and partly solar power, which brings greater weight to the resort’s environmental credentials. These actions improve how local energy resources are managed, which lowers the ecological impact on the pistes and environment.

Innovation in Valmorel: heating premises using the energy from the resort’s ski lifts

A groundbreaking system pioneered by Polyair Industrie has been fitted to the ski lifts in the resort of Valmorel. This system recovers the hot air produced by the motors powering the chairlifts and gondola lifts, which is subsequently used to heat the premises using fans installed in the top station. Although Valmorel can be credited as a trailblazer in this particular area, the process is now being deployed at other ski resorts across the Alps.

Take a look at our Innovation Book 2025 for more innovative ideas

Zermatt, a pioneering resort in Switzerland’s Valais canton

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Standing in the Matterhorn’s shadow, Zermatt is a global benchmark when it comes to environmental responsibility. Most of the electricity for its ski area comes from hydroelectric power, while its ski lifts and mountain resorts are widely hooked into solar power installations. In 2024, 77% of Zermatt’s inhabitants actually voted in favour of building a high-altitude solar farm, which will be capable of supplying electricity to 4,300 homes. There are also plans to use hydrogen to store the surplus energy produced during the summer and power the ski groomers during the winter. The resort of Zermatt also transforms its organic waste into biogas to produce electricity and heat, thereby helping build a sustainable environment across its pistes and in the village. Zermatt is harnessing the full potential of renewable energy to minimise the resort’s carbon footprint.

Check out other remarkable innovations

The mountains – a laboratory for innovative energy solutions

All ski resorts, both in the Alps and everywhere else, are hoping to improve their appeal while protecting the environment. Snow harvesting, green mobility, smart pistes and on-site green electricity generation and consumption… with such initiatives, ski areas are transforming mountain resorts into sustainable communities and turning renewable energy into the greatest asset for the Alps’ future. France, Switzerland and other mountain countries are showing that the energy transition is not only achievable, but essential for offering sustainable and eco-friendly skiing activities in the resorts.