A dog in lush green mountain grass sits in the sun beside a picnic table with snacks, a bottle of wine, and a picnic basket, enjoying his summer holidays in Morzine.

Summer in the mountains presents new opportunities to discover the Alps. Hiking through rich pastures, spotting mountain wildlife, swimming in sparkling lakes… there are endless reasons to put a lakes and mountains holiday on your travel bucket list. But protecting the mountains is every bit as important as visiting them. That’s why eco-conscious summer mountain holidays are becoming more and more popular for keen travellers.

We spoke to one of our partners in the French Alps who operate luxury summer chalets in Morzine to get their expert insights into the climate-friendly travel revolution, and the steps that both the resort, and they themselves are taking to care for the mountains. Find out what they had to say, and how you can start planning your own eco-conscious summer holiday in Morzine…

What inspired your journey toward creating eco-conscious chalets in Morzine?

Interior of Chalet Debussy, an eco-conscious summer mountain chalet in Morzine. Showcasing the floating fireplace, bar area, and a cheeseboard with wine.

Although we had always tried to reduce our environmental impact, it wasn’t until we started some serious research into Climate Change in 2019 that we realised the existential threat we were facing. We immersed ourselves in a series of books, podcasts, and articles. In addition, we took the time to converse with friends, local residents and mountain business owners. From this, it became obvious that our planet was changing fast. In particular, the Alps, which we learned is warming twice as fast as the global average. As parents, we want future generations to be able to enjoy a beautiful planet and a life full of opportunities in the same way we have. Thus, we built our ethos to encourage environmentally friendly holidays in the Alps.

Operating in an area that is so dependent on the weather, we feel very vulnerable to changes in the climate and so it’s especially important for us to lead the drive towards a more sustainable world. For tourism in the mountains to continue in a more gentle, low impact manner, it’s essential visitors recognise the mountains as an all seasons destination. Four-season tourism is absolutely essential to a sustainable future in mountain tourism. Continuing to rely as heavily on snow as we do today is not sustainable. We want to lead that change and are keen to work with other businesses in the valley to achieve that objective. This, for us, starts with eco-conscious ski chalets in Morzine that are equally inviting in the summer.

What measures have you implemented to reduce the carbon footprint of your chalets?

A man stands over the river-fed dams that power several of the sustainable chalets in Morzine, making for a great addition to an eco-conscious summer mountain holiday in Morzine.

Renewable energy is a major factor. The primary contributor to our carbon footprint is the heating and fuel needed to run our properties. Five years ago, oil-fired boilers were the main heating source for 80% of our chalets. Now, we employ air-source heat pumps in all but one of our chalets. When it comes to electricity, all of our properties including chalets, our central kitchen, home, and office are powered by 100% renewable energy. This comes specifically from river-fed dams (as opposed to the more environmentally harmful reservoir fed dams) from a local source in France.

We have also found a solar partner and have recently installed solar panels on our house/office. We have very strict waste management systems in place, and have 80% less waste than we did 4 years ago. Furthermore, we are proud to say that we are 100% zero food waste! All of these steps are vital to ensure we are offering low-impact chalet holidays to our clients.

There are, as one would expect, challenges to operating eco-friendly chalets in Morzine. We don’t own any of the chalets in our portfolio, so creating low carbon accommodation is down to us working closely with the owners during the planning and design process. As a result of this approach, we have been able to effect a big change. Renewable energy for heating and electricity is built into every new chalet contract.

How do you balance luxury with your commitment to sustainability?

Outdoor dining table adorned with flowers and glasses, in the sunshine. A great place to spend time together on a sustainable mountain holiday

Actualising luxury as a whole is changing. Excess at the cost of the planet is no longer acceptable. This is visable across all consumer industries, from high-end fashion to fine dining and luxury travel. Conscious consumers want to know that they are purchasing from responsible brands that are not harming the planet. At the same time, our lives are busier and full of constant distraction. As a result, more people are wanting to connect with nature, get outside and embrace life’s simple joys

Our summer chalet holidays are undeniably luxurious. Each property has sumptuous fabrics, high quality furnishings and delicious food. However, they are also designed to promote a connection with the environment. Our guests experience this through many channels; locally sourced food, views from the windows and natural materials being just a few. Our guests can enjoy all this whilst knowing that we clean with non-toxic products, run our chalets on renewable energy, operate a zero food waste kitchen and more! This knowledge can only add joy to the experience. And that is our goal with these eco-conscious summer mountain holidays: to create joy in a holistic sense.

How do you ensure sustainable catering practices while offering a luxurious dining experience?

One of the eco-conscious dining options that you might expect on a sustainable summer holiday in Morzine. A stuffed squash with broccoli.

We’ve designed a menu that is local, seasonal, and light on meat to reduce the impact associated with food production. We accomplish this by keeping food miles low, shopping seasonally and locally with regional producers as much as possible. We also have a permaculture garden which supplies our kitchen with vegetables, herbs and fruit. Additionally, we rear our own chickens! These hens supply delicious, free-range eggs for our family and guests, and contribute to an extremely efficient garden ecosystem.

We honestly believe, and many guests agree, that home-grown, locally sourced ingredients and meat from ethically reared animals creates more flavourful food. The inventive, sustainable cooking methods adopted by our chefs also make our menus fresh and exciting. Now, all starters are vegetarian and only four of the 15 courses served on our main menu contain meat. And no, we assure no compromise on luxury in our catered chalets in Morzine! We are still receiving 5-star reviews and accolades in the press for our dishes.

The local food culture in Morzine is ever-progressing, in that far more restaurants and supermarkets are working with local producers. You can now buy lettuce, carrots and other vegetables from the organic farm in Saint Jean d’Aulps (5 miles from Morzine) in the Carrefour supermarket! You’ll see that most restaurants have seasonal menus, and you can find excellent vegeterian and vegan food in Morzine at establishments like Kamado Kitchen and Bec Jaune Brewery.

How do you introduce the concept of a “green holiday” and encourage guests to make eco-conscious travel choices?

A young girl looks at a chicken in the arms of a man.

Our sustainability focus is the heart of our business. We try to make this evident to our guests from the beginning, from our social media, to the welcome speech guests hear on arrival. The food we serve and the waste management practices across our chalets are also well documented and explained. We try to keep our sustainability processes as transparent as possible. It’s a collective effort, which we hope inspires others to choose eco-conscious summer mountain holidays.

In terms of guest feedback, most people are extremely positive. Occasionally, we get some guests who have questions about perhaps why we don’t serve beef on our menu. We then are happy to explain our environmental impact of certain foods and why we make our menu choices. Through these conversations, guests can see the effort and thought that goes into creative, delicious alternatives, so no matter what we have a positive outcome!

What makes Morzine a standout eco-conscious summer mountain holiday destination?

A man with a bike overlooks one of the lakes in Morzine while enjoying his eco-conscious summer mountain holidays.

Morzine has some forward-thinking components within the resort in terms of sustainability. The resort is unique in the sense that it has its own non-profit organisation dedicated to finding and implementing solutions for sustainable summer mountain holidays across the resort. The community in Morzine funds the Montagne Verte organisation, which in turn serves Morzine itself. The effect of this shows in projects across the resort. For one, the bike-powered bio waste collection scheme, which prevents bio waste from being incinerated. Another is a second hand clothes shop in the centre of Morzine. There is also the AlpinExpress Pass, a scheme to reward visitors who arrive by train through numerous discounts with local business.

The resort also received the Flocon Vert label in 2021! The Mountain Riders association devised this distinction to recognise concrete actions taken by mountain tourism destinations to preserve the local environment. Governance, transportation, energy, development, water, waste, social matters, and territories are all scrutinized to identify regions with cutting-edge ecological transition policies; it’s therefore, an excellent authentication for anyone looking for an eco-friendly summer mountain holiday.

What are the benefits of train travel to Morzine, and how can it enhance the guest experience?

Train station for rail travel to Morzine.  From here, take a bus ride to the resort, a more sustainable way to travel to your summer mountain holiday destination.

How people get to the mountains is a huge concern. Estimates show that 66% of the emissions of a ski holiday come from the flight to get there. Rail travel generates just 2% of the emissions of an equivalent flight. Eco-conscious summer mountain holidays are undoubtedly boosted by rail travel!

Flying to Morzine (via Geneva) generates 183kg CO₂e per passenger. Going by rail generates just 4.5kg CO₂e! When we look at the stats it becomes hard to justify flying. However, we know rail travel can be expensive. The AlpinExpress Pass is a great way for guests to receive discounts on local services, from lift passes and activities to resort transfers. In this scheme, many Morzine based businesses have come together to offer 10% discounts on their goods and services (which includes train station transfers, accommodation, ski passes, ski hire and restaurants) to anyone who travels by train. 

We also offer 10% off all our bookings to guests who travel by train to our chalets. We also seriously believe that train travel can be hugely enjoyable and a great way to start your holiday. The route to Morzine from the UK is fairly simple, involving a Eurostar to Paris and a TGV (fast) train. You’ll then need a transfer up the hill, as with flying or catching the train to almost any mountain resorts.

Are there any exciting sustainability-focused community projects in Morzine coming up?

A waterfall in the summer in Morzine, with 3 walkers enjoying the scenery

As mentioned above, local businesses fund and work together on sustainable solutions through the Montagne Verte Association. We undertake ambitious projects; lobbying governing bodies and supporting local stakeholders to reduce carbon emissions and prepare for a changing future. Montagne Verte also gives us a platform to share sustainable best practice. For example, the Sustainable Mountain Futures Fund is a scheme we initially rolled out with our guests. Now, it is being taken up across the resort. The local community ask visitors to contribute a one-off €9 payment towards the carbon impact of travel to the resort. In this simple way, all visitors can contribute towards climate adaptation locally on their eco-conscious summer mountain holidays in Morzine

This enables Montagne Verte to work on projects such as encouraging train travel, improving local transport options and supporting businesses and residents to reduce their carbon impact. Montagne Verte has recently launched “Bio-cyclette” which is a project to collect food waste from local businesses and take it to the methaniser where it transforms into energy and fertiliser. Previously, it was being taken to the incinerator (along with the rest of household waste) to be burnt. This has been extremely well received so far and more businesses are now signing up.

Sustainable Summer Chalets in Morzine

Hot tub outside Chalet Bizet, with mountain views and a tray with champagne and strawberries on the side. Also looking over the garden and the picnic table on the decking.

Chalet Bizet

Chalet Bizet is a beautifully renovated farmhouse with breathtaking valley views, a sun-soaked terrace with alfresco dining, and an optional outdoor hot tub. Located in the peaceful hamlet of Le Cret, it’s just minutes from Morzine’s lively center and outdoor activities. Perfect for a sustainable summer escape, this chalet can also be taken in conjunction with the neighbouring Chalet Debussy to sleep a grand total of 24 people!

Chalet Alpaga 2 interior, with plush furnishings and a wooden look and feel.

Chalet Alpaga 2

Chalet Alpaga 2 Sleeps 8-11 guests across 4 luxury bedrooms, ideal for group ski holidays with families. The elevated position affords the most stunning views of the resort, not to mention to fabulous lush green mountains! Morzine’s centre is just a 6-minute walk, so the bars and restaurants are never far from your doorstep. The bike storage, kids playroom, and alfresco dining areas top the reasons that this chalet is an ideal spot for a family summer mountain holiday.

Chalet Debussy exterior, with an umbrella beside the picnic table and loungers facing the sun in the garden.

Chalet Debussy

One of the larger capacity eco-friendly chalets on our portfolio, Chalet Debussy is a great option for 8-15 guests looking to experience the luxury of summer in the Alps. Combining traditional French alpine design with modernity that compliments the sustainable choices made by the operators, this chalet embodies what Morzine summer holidays are all about; relaxation, comfort, and alpine charm. You can also drive to this chalet, and it boasts a free charging station for e-vehicles!

Alps In Luxury Logo

Eco-conscious summer mountain holidays are certainly a blossoming motif in the luxury travel industry. With sustainable holidays in Morzine being a fantastic example of where mountain resorts are trying to implement positive change, who knows where the sustainable travel sector will be in the next 5 years?

If you’d like to be a part of the change and see the range of eco-holidays Europe has to offer, then get in touch with our team on +44 1202 203659 or send us an email. Kick-start your eco Alps summer holidays and find the perfect summer chalet today…