In 2011, the Chamonix Valley applied to be assessed for the, "Flocon Vert". Tuesday, 15 Oct 2013, the Flocon Vert is awarded to the Communes of Chamonix Mont-Blanc including, Les Houches, Vallorcine and Servoz. The official ceremony will be held in Paris.
The Flocon Vert, (Green Snowflake) first awarded in 2006, was an initiative of the "Mountain Riders" Association. Since then, the Mountain riders have partnered with the Nicolas Hulot Foundation for Nature and Man and the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe to bring more expertise to the certification process.
To be awarded with the Flocon Vert, a resort must meet 31 essential criteria. A committee convenes to audit and analyse governance, energy, water, waste, public spaces, transport, etc.
The Flocon Vert enables visitors select their mountain destination based on its commitment to sustainable development. Visitors can encourage responsible tourism by taking into account the environmental credentials of a resort.
Chamonix is the third resort to receive the award. Other mountain destinations that have been awarded the Flocon Vert are Les Rousses (in France) and Villars (in Switzerland).
