A ski area

Controlled resources

Vars is taking action and implementing environmentally responsible measures. Snow conditions, ski lifts – find out how Vars is reducing its environmental impact.

Damage

Cost-effective and responsible

At Vars, every action taken across the ski area is designed to minimise its impact and optimise the use of resources: energy, fuel and snow.

Our resort’s nine snow groomers run on biodegradable oils and non-road diesel comprising biofuel and AdBlue, thereby reducing their carbon footprint. This fuel is stored in new tanks to avoid the need for frequent refuelling. Our drivers are trained in eco-driving to optimise fuel consumption, and the maintenance of the ski runs during the summer facilitates grooming and consequently reduces fuel consumption.

The use of SnowSat software, installed on snow grooming machines, helps to identify areas where artificial snow is required, enabling the ‘right amount’ of snow to be produced and distributed evenly.

Note that

> 92 per cent of the slopes in the ski area are included in the grooming plan

> 9 snow groomers in operation across the ski area throughout the winter (4 winch-driven, 4 standard and 1 for footpaths, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing routes)

Ski lifts

Energy-efficient

The modernisation of the ski lifts has made it possible to replace energy-intensive equipment with more efficient systems. When visitor numbers are low, the resort reduces the speed of the lifts, leading to a reduction in energy consumption. Outside peak periods, the ski lifts are therefore operated in a sustainable manner through eco-driving.