2020 TRADE SHOW EDITION
MOUNTAIN PLANET
BY
INCLUDED
I N N O VAT I O N B O O K
SAM - SALON DE L’AMÉNAGEMENT EN MONTAGNE INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT FAIR
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MOUNTAIN PLANET / EDITION 2020
2020 - 21 I NUMÉRO 01
MOUNTAIN PLANET
BY
I N N O VAT I O N B O O K
INTRO
OFFERT
Innovation always INNOVATION BOOK IS PUBLISHED BY MOUNTAIN PLANET - ALPEXPO .........
DESIGN & PRODUCTION EDITIONS COSY
MANAGER: Claude BORRANI SAVOIE Technolac 18, ALLÉE DU LAC ST ANDRÉ 73 382 LE BOURGET DU LAC CEDEX FRANCE Tel: +33 (0)4 79 65 46 10 Fax: +33 (0)4 79 65 46 12 Website: www.cosy-design.com
Writers
Alice Morabito, Cécile Ronjat, Claude Borrani
On the cover
Les 3 Vallées / D.André - Veliki Draski vrh
Layout
Séverine Béchet • studiosbdesign.fr
Sales director
Kamel Beghidja kamel@cosy-editions.com
Communication consultants Olivia Gontharet (46 10) olivia@cosy-editions.com
Fanny Marguet (46 10) fanny@cosy-editions.com Samantha Bondon-Rostang (46 10) samantha@cosy-editions.com
Administration and customer relations
Mountain Planet's Innovation Book is a new addition to this year’s International Mountain Development Trade Show. Had COVID-19 not disrupted our year, this look into many of our exhibitors' innovations would have been distributed during the 2020 show in a more extensive format. Today, we are offering you an abridged magazine to highlight the dynamism and innovation generated by the companies in the mountain sector who come together every two years at Alpexpo for Mountain Planet, the international meeting place for professionals. The mountain sector has always been innovative because these companies are used to working in a demanding natural environment and to serving equally demanding customers. Even though they were ready to showcase their expertise then, the sector's major players are now ready to tackle the challenges they face in terms of transformation and have come together to continue innovating and preparing their responses to challenges they will be seeing in the future. There is a wealth of innovation in many areas: transport and mobility, energy and fuels, technology and digital tools, activities, safety, and more. The challenge is not to innovate for the sake of innovation, but to provide new and sustainable solutions that will help mountain resorts meet the societal, technological, and environmental challenges of tomorrow. This magazine is the showcase for the dynamism encountered in this sector. We would like to thank our loyal exhibitors, and we are looking forward to seeing you in 2022 for our next edition of Mountain Planet—where innovation will once again be a major theme reflecting how this sector is always on the move.
Laurence Rémy laurence@cosy-editions.com
Periodicity: Annual Publication: Fall 2020 Printing
IME By Estimprim ZA La Craye 25 110 AUTECHAUX FRANCE
Legal deposit on publication
The Mountain Planet Team
Mountain Planet extends its thanks to the following for their support with “The Innovation Book”: Cluster Montagne, Région Auvergne Rhône Alpes, Sunwind, Lumiplan, Poma.
ISSN 2418-0297
Any reproduction or representation in whole or in part by any process whatsoever of the pages published in this magazine made without the permission of the publisher is illegal and constitutes a counterfeit. Only reproductions strictly reserved for the private use of the copyist and not intended for collective use, and short quotations justified by the scientific or informative nature of the work in which they are incorporated, are authorized. (Articles L.122-4, L.122-5 and L.335-2 of the French Intellectual Property Code).
Next edition April 26 to 28, 2022 2020
SAM - SALON DE L’AMÉNAGEMENT EN MONTAGNE INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT FAIR
MOUNTAIN PLANET
03
CON TEN TS
6
TRENDS Transition and innovation: Two challenges for mountain territories
DANIEL FRANK
THIBAUT DURAND
MOUNTAIN PLANET • 01 / 2020
18
INNONEWS
A selection of innovations from Mountain Planet exhibitors and information that contributes to the future of our mountains.
MOUNTAIN PLANET • ONLINE
www.mountain-planet.com 04
MOUNTAIN PLANET
2020
20% de rendement
SOLAIRES ET INNOVANTS
MODULABLES
2 fois plus léger
LEGERS ET PERFORMANTS
SUNWIND design a mis au point une solution photovoltaïque innovante pour produire de l’énergie, intégrée aux remontées mécaniques et adaptée aux conditions extrêmes en altitude.
Le partenaire de vos solutions durables et innovantes en station de montagne
www.sunwind.fr l ’é n e r g i e d u t e m p s
in TRENDS
06
MOUNTAIN PLANET
2020
TRANSITION AND INNOVATION: SECURING THE FUTURE OF MOUNTAINS
SERRE CHEVALIER BRIANÇON VALLEY - @LAURAPEYTHIEU
Text Alice Morabito – Editions Cosy
Mountain territories have to face several environmental, economic, and social challenges due to climate change. However worrisome melting snow may be, these issues are bringing together a number of regional players who are re-evaluating how mountains are managed and preserved and how energy and transportation must be handled. It is truly a formidable challenge that is already being met through innovation. Status report...
2020
MOUNTAIN PLANET
07
TRENDS
The 20th century was one of performance driven by technology. Today, we must preserve these technologies and the comfort they provide while making them more environmentally virtuous. We have the tools to act, and we must move forward now to find the solutions that will secure our future. It's a wonderful challenge,” explains Alexandre Maulin, president of the French Ski Areas Association, who was set to unveil the association's finance sharing system to ensure environmental preservation at Mountain Planet 2020. A plan in two stages: The first focuses on reducing greenhouse gases and the second on preserving biodiversity and water resources. THE ENERGY TRANSITION “Our challenge is identical to any other human activity: Decarbonize. And we are going to have to be pioneers and move ahead rather than wait for developments to come from others,” he continues. “To do this, we must transform our models and the resources we work with and create innovation in order to find solutions.” This starts with grooming, which is the main cause of greenhouse gas emissions in ski areas (90%). Because tomorrow... is today. And while experts at IPCC 2020 predict little change up to 2050, it is urgent to implement new resource management methods in preparation for the second half of the 21st century, as studies show a loss in snow coverage of at least 40%. Several resorts and ski areas have already been working in this direction—some of them for about ten years—and are doing so with water or waste management, transport, equipment, and, of course, “clean” energy. In Méribel, 100% of the energy supplying the infrastructures—ski lifts, snow-making systems, and buildings—has been provided by wind and solar power for the past ten years. At Les Saisies, two hillside water reservoirs are shared with farmers, and a water supply system supplies water to herds in mountain pastures. These resources can also be used in case of fire. Needless to say, research and development in the sector are brimming with ideas. Innovations presented at the Mountain Planet trade show are visibly following that direction. For example, the Pistenbully 600 Polar E+ diesel-electric hybrid snow groomer from Kässborher, who has also developed high-performance software called SnowSat to organize the daily grooming schedule, as well as the ski area’s snow resources and production.
“Our goal is to control the rise in temperatures by the end of the century and to keep the temperature rise within acceptable limits,” says Alexandre Maulin. This is an issue
08
MOUNTAIN PLANET
2020
“Domaines Skiables de France is working on pooling best practices and funding in order to offer a range of solutions that can be adapted to the realities experienced in resorts.” ALEXANDER MAULIN, PRESIDENT OF DOMAINES SKIABLES DE FRANCE
that the entire world is facing, not only ski areas, so each of us must take responsibility. France, one of the world's top three mountain tourist destinations, is facing a major challenge. The number of direct and indirect jobs in mountain villages and valleys impacted by global warming at the end of the century is estimated at 120,000—weighing approximately €2 billion in the French trade balance and €334 million in annual investments. RENEWABLE ENERGIES As Francis Fiesinger, head of mountain tourism strategies at the Grenoble Chamber of Commerce and Industry, explains, “The impact of the climate is accelerating the need to change our models and make investments that make sense.” That’s what happened in La Thuile, Italy, when the French group MND, via their subsidiary MND SNOW, worked with the ski area operator Funivie Piccolo San Bernardo. They developed a hydroelectric program using the snow-making network to produce clean and renewable energy, which is then injected into the Italian electricity grid. What’s the result? For the past three years, the ski area has produced more than 4.8 million kWh from this clean energy alone. MND SNOW has also developed a process using the electrical cable networks of its snow-making systems to route the energy produced by wind turbines or solar panels installed on ski lifts and buildings to transformers for immediate use or storage.
3 QUESTIONS FOR
ARMELLE SOLELHAC Armelle Solelhac is the founder of Switch—an insights, marketing strategy, and communication agency specializing in the tourism and outdoor sports sectors. She recently authored the book Mountain Resort Management and Marketing with Christopher Hautbois.
1
What challenges do resorts face today? The first challenge is the fight against global warming. The second is dealing with the declining numbers of guests and working on bringing them back to the slopes but also making winter guests become summer guests. Although the world ski market is expanding—with a rise in China and Eastern Europe— Western Europe, Japan, and the United States are mature markets with an aging clientele, due in particular to the decrease in schools organizing classes and camps that brought younger children to the slopes. The United States has developed successful programs to convert or reconvert skiers and build customer loyalty. The third challenge is offering products that correspond to today’s customer expectations. Currently, people ski on average four hours a day, and resorts have to provide other activities. Snow isn’t the only good reason to come to the mountains, where there is an undeniable culinary, architectural, and natural heritage. Guests can also take advantage of the mountains without even putting on a pair of skis. Ski resorts in Austria and Switzerland have installed chaise lounges on the trails and benches and hammocks at the foot of the slopes for guests to rest. The fourth challenge concerns how resorts recruit and retain talent in order to run shops and accommodations year-round, as life in the resort involves specific challenges, such as sending children to junior high or high school.
2
How should this transition be organized? The mountain business model is bound to change. We must move from being a simple ski resort to being a destination mountain resort by diversifying activities. But without meaning, these activities are useless. A wide majority of people choose their destination and activities according to how the activity will give meaning to their lives. We are moving towards a different mode of
consumption for mountains, like in North America where people spend a month in the mountains working in the morning and enjoying many services. In Canada, retirement homes are being created in resorts to give seniors an excellent quality of life and the opportunity for their families to visit them in an exceptional landscape. This is very important for social, economic, and environmental reasons. The decrease in snow cover can be an opportunity to see the mountains through different eyes. The challenges that mobility poses are also essential. It has become urgent to work on mobility and the “last 100 kilometers,” because we can move crowds over long distances thanks to planes and high-speed trains, but we don't know how to move crowds over short distances. This is what makes valley transportation is so important: shuttles, trams, and funicular railways. Valley transportation has not been sufficiently developed for the time being, and valley lifts are a good solution, as illustrated in Rio, Barcelona, and Les Arcs 1600.
3
If you had to draw a conclusion, what would it be? There is definitely work that needs to be done in terms of current practice and what type of mountain experience we want for our children and grandchildren. I am inspired by seaside and extreme destinations, such as islands lost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that have developed ingenious solutions concerning communication networks and water and energy management.
2020
MOUNTAIN PLANET
09
TRENDS
CARBON FOOTPRINT
OF A SKI AREA
2%
GROOMERS
SNOW-MAKING SYSTEMS
ROPEWAYS
57 %
2%
27 %
PASSENGER TRANSPORT
SNOW-MAKING SYSTEMS
RESIDENTIAL
6%
4%
4%
CONSTRUCTIONS AND ROADS
WASTE
FREIGHT
SKI RESORT
2% ENERGY INDUSTRIES AND INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES
(Data: DSF 010
MOUNTAIN PLANET
2020
4%
1% AGRICULTURE
ALTERNATIVE MEDIA
The majority of emissions in resorts are caused by passenger transport (57%). Emissions caused by the movement of people using all modes of transportation to and from resorts are mostly due to two populations: foreign visitors (44%) and permanent residents (37%). Travel by French visitors account for 19% of emissions and is mostly made by car.
94 %
“The idea is to use all the potential of a ski area to produce energy.” FABIEN HAREL, HEAD OF ECONOMY & INNOVATION, HAUTES-ALPES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY.
Serre-Chevalier, the ski area managed by Patrick Arnaud, has also initiated a vast energy transition program that aims to produce 30% of its needs using wind, solar, and hydraulic energy. The program includes 12-meter wind turbines installed on the summits; photovoltaic panels— developed locally by Sunwind Design—installed on the roofs of buildings or unused slopes; a system for using the energy produced by water in hillside reservoirs for snow-making (as with La Thuile, but the system is in the instruction phase); and a system for producing energy when the snow melts. “The idea is to use the ski area’s full potential to produce energy,” says Fabien Harel, head of Economy & Innovation at the Hautes-Alpes Development Agency. “In Risoul,” he continues, “photovoltaic panels were installed on ski lift stations, and a 12-hectare photovoltaic power station was built at altitude, which will provide the equivalent of Risoul's power consumption.” SYM Energie 05—the company managing public electricity distribution in the Hautes-Alpes—has, in collaboration with surrounding departments, set up the Baratier shadehouse, which supplies the charging stations for the department's electric vehicles with the energy captured by its photovoltaic panels. Even the e-bikes at Ecoload's ecological solar charging stations for electrically assisted mountain bikes in the Isère Department are enjoying green energy.
FRED MALGUY
Energy transition is indeed THE priority and what players can leverage, both in using available resources and in managing equipment. The innovations presented at Mountain Planet focus on equipment that is both high-tech and green. TECH TO INNOVATE State-of-the-art stations integrate all these energy requirements at the design phase, as issues dealing with mobility, use, energy, and connectivity are essential. This is what Chamrousse 2030, a project led by Aktis, did by designing a “Four-Season Smart Station” using new, digital technologies. A fourth-generation, four-season station that is connected, smart, and attractive for individuals, companies, and business tourism.
2020
MOUNTAIN PLANET
011
10 billion euros
60 %
are spent in resorts each winter
LES 3 VALLÉES / COURCHEVEL / D. ANDRÉ
TRENDS
of the price of a ski pass finances sustainabledevelopment expenses
Data: 2019 indicators and analyses (October) from the French Ski Areas Observatory
Normally scheduled to take place during Mountain Planet, Learning Grid by Grenoble—inaugurated in June 2019 and located on the site of the Institut des Métiers et des Techniques (IMT)—presents the most advanced technologies in the field of smart energy management: A micro-grid that simulates the operation of a small town with smart energy performance and produces green energy for its own consumption. What is at the heart of this micro-grid? An energy “cockpit” (more precisely an energy control and monitoring tower) where training and experiments bring future scenarios to life. These innovations showcase the excellence that is just waiting to serve mountains all around the world by mobilizing the expertise each sector has to offer. “In this respect, Mountain Planet has always been an incredible showcase,” Francis Fiesinger states, “Especially since this year, France has taken over the Presidency of the European Union Strategy for the Alpine Region, Suera. ”This is an opportunity to highlight French expertise with the other six countries in the Alpine Arc. “Our mission is to help develop the region and companies,” explains Jean Vaylet, president of the Grenoble Chamber of Commerce and Industry. And that's a good thing because solutions exist, and they are local. The Grenoble Alpes Collective—bringing together associations, companies, and institutions (including the Grenoble CCI)—is working to promote the attractiveness of
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“Our mission is to help develop the region and its companies.” JEAN VAYLET, PRESIDENT OF THE GRENOBLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY.
the area, whose governance is, in itself, innovative. There is, of course, a myriad of smart products—the vast majority of which are made in the Alps—designed to improve not only resource management and maintenance, but also ski area safety, comfort, daily life, and leisure activities (see the “digital” mountain). SMOOTH MOBILITY Another major issue generating innovation is in the field of mobility, which goes hand in hand with managing tourist flows. Ski area carbon footprints must be differentiated from what happens inside the resort villages, whether that means how resorts are accessed or how people travel inside the resort. What’s the result? In order to compensate for the saturation of traffic in the valleys and the pollution generated, not to mention the depletion of fossil fuels, valley ropeways are a good alternative. Armelle Solelhac is the founder of Switch—an insights, marketing strategy, and communications agency specializing in the tourism and outdoor sports sectors
THE “DIGITAL” MOUNTAIN FOCUS ON TEN INNOVATIONS MADE IN THE ALPS
01
A2 PHOTONIC SENSORS
02
03
(ISÈRE)
ALPWISE (ISÈRE)
AMS SOFTWARE
Ultra-sensory sensors giving a real-time display of snow height.
Designer of connected objects and publisher of Bluetooth® software to simplify access to resorts.
Intuitive software to manage resort maintenance, regulate and manage emergency services, organize grooming, GPS geolocation, and observe avalanche risks.
(HAUTE-SAVOIE)
04
05
06
(ISÈRE)
(ISÈRE)
(ISÈRE)
Robust, locally handmade speakers made with vegetable fibers.
Application designed for escape games and event agencies to create customized escape games, including in resorts.
API-K
PEO PEO
Establishes networks and “smart” solutions dedicated to safety, attractiveness, and industrial efficiency to ski areas and their surrounding landscapes (including white spots).
GRAALY
07 TECHFUN
08
(SAVOIE)
(ISÈRE)
Four-season zip line that adapts and follows breaks along the hillside without having to remove the link (no need for intermediate turns).
A new boardsport developed by Arnaud Ballu that mixes snowboard and mountain bike technologies, with handlebars fixed on the snowboard and feet free to move.
09
SKIBRID
TRACE DE TRAIL
10
Applications dedicated to four-season, outdoor activities— including areas requiring attentiveness, such as hunting, environment, forestry work, pastoralism—with automatic notifications sent to users.
Parcourzen®, QR code activated audio meditations by Christophe André and France Inter that promote well-being while taking a walk in the middle of nature.
PIC BOIS
(ISÈRE)
(AIN)
2020
MOUNTAIN PLANET
013
AN AGENCY WITH A 360° VIEW
TRENDS
Since 1989, the Les Arcs funicular railway has been an alternative way to access the Arc 1600 resort from Bourg Saint Maurice in just seven minutes. It was completely refurbished in 2019 and gives visitors an exceptional panorama during their trip.
“It has become urgent to work on mobility and the last 100 kilometers.” ARMELLE SOLELHAC, CO-AUTHOR WITH CHRISTOPHER HAUTBOIS OF THE BOOK MOUNTAIN RESORT MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING.
based in Annecy and Los Angeles—and recently authored the book Mountain Resort Management and Marketing with Christopher Hautbois (see box ). She points out, “It has become urgent to work on mobility and the ‘last 100 kilometers,’ because we can move crowds over long distances thanks to planes and high-speed trains, but we don't know how to move crowds over short distances. This is what makes valley ropeways so important.” This is transportation at its best. That is exactly what the Arcs 1600 funicular shows. It links Bourg-Saint-Maurice to the station in seven minutes. Built by Poma, one of the world leaders in ropeway transportation, it offers a 360° view of the landscape after its recent remodeling. The original funicular dates back to 1989. It goes without saying that it is electric. Several projects are being planned in the Alps, such as the gondola lifts that will connect Chamrousse to Grenoble, Orelle to Val-Thorens, and Allemont to Oz-en-Oisans— where work on the Eau d'Olle Express has already started. These lifts are a means of relieving road congestion and simply decarbonizing valleys and resorts, as gondolas can be used to transport people as well as material and waste. In terms of transverse mobility (intra-resort), innovations are being made in terms of fuel and vehicles. In Val Thorens, the autonomous electric shuttles
014
MOUNTAIN PLANET
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developed by Bertolami for the Zero Emission Mountain project have transported passengers without a driver all winter long along a three-kilometer track. In the long term, the company wishes to run these vehicles on hydrogen, which represents one of the better solutions for the future. Ropeway transportation is another obvious solution for intra-resort mobility, like the Grangettes and Les Praz gondolas in Courchevel, which are also used for urban transportation. The Alpe Express TCSP, located in the heart of Alpe d'Huez, will be extended in the near future. THE FOUR-SEASON MOUNTAIN The long-term goal is to bring full-time residents back to villages at low- and mid-altitudes because life at high altitude is still very difficult year-round. Also, “Recruiting and retaining talent,” to quote Armelle Solelhac, “is a major challenge,” because to maintain business and employment in mountain areas and create year-round skills pools, it is vital to welcome SMEs, freelancers, start-ups, and shop owners. Infrastructures and services must therefore be up to par.
ALEX BAUMEL 2020
MOUNTAIN PLANET
015
TRENDS
For high-altitude resorts, the challenge is to extend the time tourists are present in the mountains, as they are the driver of a thriving economy. This is why more and more destination resorts are being built with luxury hotels and spas, and sports and recreational complexes, and the mountain’s new best friend: water parks. Wellness centers and four-season activities must become part of the ski area offer. Guests truly enjoy the architectural, artistic, natural, and culinary heritage the mountains offer in both summer and winter.
“The mountain is the ideal place to rest and charge your batteries,” continues Armelle Solelhac, “Because today, people don't ski all day long, even if they ski just as much in the end (editor's note: in a more condensed manner). We will have to move from the ski resort model to the mountain resort model by diversifying activities but also by bringing a sense of meaning to guests. This is essential because 78% of vacationers choose their destination and activities according to what will give meaning to their lives. ”
Although the mountains are a promise of clean, fresh air in the summer, the mountains are synonymous with skiing for Alexandre Maulin. “The search for additional activities is essential, but skiing is the future of our regions in the coming decades, and it will certainly continue to be for much longer still, ” he believes.
“For high-altitude resorts, the challenge is to extend the time tourists are present in the mountains, as they are the drivers of a thriving economy.”
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MOUNTAIN PLANET
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SAVOIE MONT BLANC / CHABANCE
SERRE CHEVALIER BRIANÇON VALLEY/ LAURAPEYTHIEU
CHRISTOPHER HAUTBOIS, CO-AUTHOR OF THE BOOK MOUNTAIN RESORT MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING.
2020
MOUNTAIN PLANET
017
@SAVOIE MONT BLANC / HOSSEL
@SAVOIE MONT BLANC / RAÔH
@SAVOIE MONT BLANC / MARIE
@SAVOIE MONT BLANC / DESAGE
Alpexpo, le parc événementiel de Grenoble au cœur des Alpes
UN PARC D’EXPOSITIONS
Crédits photos : Laurent Ravier et Alpexpo.
UN CENTRE DE CONGRÈS
Sur 1 seul site, 4 espaces au service de vos événements
UN CENTRE DE CONFÉRENCES ET DE SÉMINAIRES
UNE SALLE DE SPECTACLES 018
MOUNTAIN PLANET
2020
INNONEWS
By Cécile Ronjat - Editions Cosy
INNOVATION
IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT A selection of innovations from Mountain Planet exhibitors and information that contributes to the future of our mountains.
3 QUESTIONS FOR
ALEXANDRE MAULIN President of the French Ski Areas Association
1
What innovations optimize mountain resources? “We are working on fine-tuning how we manage water resources for snow-making and biodiversity. We have equipped our snow groomers with GPS devices to analyze the quality of snow coverage to produce no more snow than needed. We are also working on regulating ropeway speed to limit electricity consumption. ”
2
3
What is Domaines Skiables de France doing to help resorts take the next step towards the future? “Each mountain is different. Some have sunny slopes that are great for solar panels and others have enough wind to install wind turbines. Domaines Skiables de France is working on pooling best practices and funding in order to offer a range of solutions that can be adapted to the realities experienced in resorts.”
What challenges will the mountains face tomorrow? “The major issue is transforming how we maintain our slopes to eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels.” The ambition is to build a carbon-free future for all French mountain ranges. ”
2020
MOUNTAIN PLANET
019
INNONEWS
big numbers
Ski resorts identified in the world
66%
2400 m
The altitude of the highest solar power plant in Europe, in Risoul! Generating 11,000 MWh/ year, it produces the equivalent of the region's annual consumption.
2000
Visitors come to Mountain Planet for innovations
and new products
No. 1
2018/2019 was the best season of the millennium in terms of global attendance
68
37%
Countries around the world that have operational, snowcovered, open-air ski areas.
Of ski resorts are located in the
DID YOU KNOW MASSIF is the acronym for “Mountain Access Secured Sport Intense and Free”, ALPWISE's scalable service platform for mountain users and managers: ropeway access control, digital ski passes, geolocation and alerts, predictive maintenance, information, and marketing.
Alps
WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION OF RESORTS (2087) 37% • Alps 11% • Western Europe • Eastern Europe & Central Asia 11% 21% • Americas 19% • Asia & Pacific 1% • Other Data: 2020 International Report of Snow and Mountain Tourism. Laurent Vanat
020
MOUNTAIN PLANET
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VERBATIM
IN A FEW YEARS, DYNAMIC PRICING IN RESORTS WILL BE THE NORM... ” Julien Harnal, Market Manager France, PRICENOW
WEATHER FORECAST
WHEN COMPUTERS REASSURE DECISION-MAKING
INNOVATIVE FUELS
The software PROSNOW® combines weather and seasonal forecasts, local measurements, and data from snowpack evolution models. Current and future snow conditions are displayed and scaled to each slope segment, helping ski area managers make informed choices in terms of snow production and resource conservation.
EVALUATE
PREDICT
Up to the hour
Snow conditions
Conditions until the end of the season
PRESERVE
COMPARE
Water and energy consumption
The impact of management choices in the future
FLORIAN PIRCHER
DETERMINE
TOTAL HVO100® is made of 100% renewable energies and reduces pollution and carbon emissions. ECOLOW® is a patented fuelsaving system for groomers and construction equipment. ECOPOLAIRE GTL® by Vallier is an alternative solution for diesel engines that is odorless, biodegradable, nontoxic, stable, and low-polluting.
IN DEPTH
LUMIPLAN SNOWSAT® AD
CONNECTED GROOMING With 11 functions, the new SNOWsat® by Kässbohrer offers connected solutions to control every ski area process in just one tool: Data networking assists managers in preparing the slopes, organizing the workshop and communications, and sharing essential information—all while ensuring cost transparency.
2020
MOUNTAIN PLANET
021
INNONEWS
big numbers FRENCH
MOUNTAINS
worldwide after the USA and Austria
MORE THAN
120,000 JOBS
depend on ski areas opening every year: shops, accommodations, ski schools, resort services, and more.
10
SKIING Number one reason why guests visit resorts in the winter (data: Domaines Skiables de France, Savoie Mont Blanc Tourisme)
53.4
MILLION tourists in winter including seven million skiers and boarders
2
MILLION
BILLION EUROS
skier-days sold in 2018/2019
in contribution by resorts to French commercial exports
NEW FUELS Although hydrogen seems to be an alternative for the future, new fuels are being developed at Val Cenis, for instance, where a transition fuel for snow groomers is being tested: biomass-to-liquid (BTL), produced with recovered oils and hydrotreated vegetable oil.. Until hydrogen is developed, hybrid snow groomers are already a reality in resorts all over the world.
334 MILLION EUROS average amount of investments made in French ski areas Data: 2019 indicators and analyses (October) from the French Ski Areas Observatory, Montagne Leaders, and Atout France
MOUNTAIN PLANET
TOURIST OFFICE VAL THORENS
Designed by Navya, this 100% electric shuttle can hold 15 people and is completely autonomous. Last winter, Navya and Val Thorens ski area operator Berto decided to use the shuttle for the first time in a ski resort at an altitude of 2,300 m.
022
LES 3 VALLÉES/D.ANDRÉ
TOP 3
SKI DESTINATIONS
2020
Less-polluting or even odorless fuels, such as GTL (gas to liquid), have also found their place in resorts such as Val Thorens. Like most new fuels, Total HVO100 is made of renewable energies and reduces pollution and carbon emissions, but also reduces combustion noise. For now, biofuels still need to be improved for the harsh weather conditions we encounter in our resorts.
DON’T WORRY, BE API Attention all ski area operators! The API-K Pro TRACK-R beacon provides vehicle geolocation services to prevent collisions and optimize fleet management and operations.
ROLLGLIDER®
HUSH
SILENT CABLE
50
LES 3 VALLÉES/D.ANDRÉ
SkiOnLive®: This webcast immerses resort guests in real-time images, which provide the possibility to add tourist offers.
ROLLGLIDER®
DANIEL FRANK
That's the speed that Walltopia's Rollglider® can reach. This thrilling attraction— somewhere between a roller coaster and a zip line—is ideal for developing summer tourism resorts.
Whisper®, Arcelor Mittal's silent cable for ropeways, significantly reduces noise and vibrations and improves passenger comfort.
LIVESTREAM
KM/H
2020
MOUNTAIN PLANET
023
INNONEWS
TECHNOLOGY
0 RISKS Avalanche innovation. Removable, environmentally friendly, and configured for sensitive operations, MND SAFETY's O'BellX® system makes triggering avalanches ultra-precise, efficient, and controlled.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF... CÉCILE LEFEBVRE, founder of Trace De Trail
TURN ON THE SPOTLIGHT Signage innovation. Visible regardless of the weather, TMS flashing-light beacons grab the eye, increasing user attention to signage in ski areas.
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ALEX-LANGE
YAKUP IPEK
“In 2020, Trace de Trail applications will include sensitive areas—such as hunting zones, forestry work, and more—with itineraries to automatically inform users before they set off on their route. ”
MACARMOUR
FOOLPROOF SECURITY MacArmour® is a 2-in-1 product that combines a homogeneous structure of steel cables with double-twisted wire mesh. The advantages of MacArmour® are reduced installation time, long-lasting protection, higher performance, exceptional tensile strength in both longitudinal and transverse directions, and more.
IN THE SADDLE
PEAK INITIATIVES
YIELD MANAGEMENT &
With Bike Solutions, mountain biking in resorts is no longer limited to downhill riding. Pumptracks and Cross-Country courses innovate by combining safety, fun, and economic benefits for ski areas.
Customer data, initiatives by Val Cenis.
“Thanks to dynamic pricing, more guests are skiing. People [...] have no second thoughts about buying more skier days. Revenue from online package sales have doubled, and the collection of customer data helps us adapt our offers.”
THE EXPERT’S WORD “In the United States, visitor rates have been boosted by the proliferation of megapasses that were generated by the increased competition due to the industry’s consolidation. This trend, combined with dynamic pricing, has also reached Europe.”
BIKE SOLUTIONS
PE
BIKE SOLUTIONS
YVES DIMIER, DIRECTOR OF THE VAL CENIS RESORT
Laurent Vanat, in an extract from the 2020 International Report on Snow and Mountain Tourism
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MOUNTAIN PLANET
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INNONEWS
WHAT SHE SAID Perrine PELEN, general manager of the 2023 Alpine World Ski Championships
LET’S PLAY WITH
“Thanks to innovative technologies, resorts can produce more with less—less water, less electricity— while maintaining the quality of the snowpack.”
ERIC MATHIEU, CEO OF GRAALY
Game innovation.
TECHNOFUN
“Escape Game, one of Graaly’s ideas, transforms the skiing experience, and presents resorts from a different angle. An original script also allows the resort to tell their story or send a specific message.”
ORIGINAL FUN
GRAALY
TECHNOFUN
GRAALY
Go-kart, grass skiing, artificial ski slopes, conveyor belts, summer toboggan runs, buoys, and tubing: Technofun innovates with original leisure attractions designed to enhance the value of the mountain experience.
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CHALLENGE
SUPPORTING COMPANIES IN THEIR TRANSFORMATION
GLOBE 3T
The Savoie CCI/Cluster Montagne/Mountain Planet 2020 collective brings together 28 mountain development companies: ABAMO AND CO, ABEST, AIR MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS, ALPESYS, AVENIR PROTECTIONS, BIOGAZ SERVICES SOLUTIONS / B2S ENERGIE, CDA MANAGEMENT, CONCEPT’COM WIRELESS, ENCO, EPODE, ESPACE GAIA, GEODE, GEOPROCESS SAS, HYDROSTADIUM, INSEEC CEFAS, L’EPI DE SAVOIE, MARTOIA TP SAS, MICHEL MONIN SAS, MILLET PAYSAGE ENVIRONNEMENT, NAVIC, OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES, OVALIE TECH, PAILLARDET SAS, PEPINIERES D’ALTITUDE PUTHOD SUCCESSEURS, RADIOCOMS SYSTEMES, SAF HELICOPTERES, TRAME, VPSL.
GLOBE 3T
TO MEET TOMORROW’S CHALLENGES IN THE MOUNTAIN SECTOR “In the face of the current context, it is becoming essential to support the mountain industry in its capacity for innovation. We are seeing an acceleration in trends. Our companies are showing agility and responsiveness in adapting to the crisis we are going through. They must be resilient in order to face tomorrow’s challenges. All stakeholders must be mobilized. The Savoie Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports companies in their transformation through its various programs.”
big numbers
40 km of autonomy for the electric, all-terrain scooter with the S OnRide integrated battery by Globe 3T
30%
OF RENEWABLE ENERGIES, meaning 4 GWh per year, which is what Serre Chevalier hopes to achieve in 2021 thanks to wind, photovoltaic, and hydroelectric power in the ski area.
4.8 GWh
of clean energy produced in three years by La Thuile, Italy with the water from its snow guns. A world premiere for this hydroelectric program set up by MND SNOW, a subsidiary of MND.
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MOUNTAIN PLANET
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INNONEWS
DR - BAGRU
90%
DR - AGRU
CONIPHER® by Vicat reduces heating needs in winter thanks to an innovative cladding system used in building renovation that incorporates insulation and optionally photovoltaic panels.
Green fuel also plays a role in the future “smart ski resort.” This is what Total's HVO100 offers to replace regular fuel: The 100% renewable base reduces emissions and other pollutants, reduces combustion noise, meets the requirements of the most stringent post-treatment systems, and ensures proper engine operation.
A THIRD EYE Ropeway safety. SIVAO is Bluecime's intelligent system designed to increase vigilance when lowering the guardrail during boarding.
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20,000
MICROSPIKES/M2
with the new AGRU MICROSPIKE High Grip Membrane for slope stabilization.
120 km/h
PROTECTION INNOVATION. That’s the speed the new FIS-approved A-net posts developed by MBS can absorb.
DR - MBS
THE PRODUCT
DR - BOSCHUNG
REACHING
0
Zero is the amount of carbon emitted by the BOSCHUNG URBANSWEEPER S2.0, the first electric road sweeper.
IN DEPTH
DO YOU KNOW WHAT SOCIAL INNOVATION IS? When three companies—Joly&Philiipe, GVC, and Prinox—joined forces to form a solid and durable alliance, they decided to open up the new entity’s capital to their 25 employees who are committed to the future. That's what we call social innovation! The name of the new, innovative company is CMGA.
DID YOU KNOW? The connected badge designed by Api-k— a company specialized in IoT technologies—not only allows for individual 3D geopositioning but also serves as an electronic race bib!
VERBATIM
REDUCE YOUR FUEL BUDGET BY UP TO 20%. ” Jean-Marc Allemeersch TLS/ECOLOW
GOVERNANCE
THE COLLECTIVE ENSURING VALUE THROUGH INNOVATION
SUPPORTED BY THE GRENOBLE CCI At the Grenoble Chamber of Commerce and Industry, chaired by Jean VAYLET, innovation is not only technological but also in new forms of governance and networking. Investing in the collective work culture is illustrated through numerous networks and groups led by the Grenoble CCI: the Euro alpine club, the Ecobiz network, the tourist accommodation providers collective, the new task force on the mountain economy initiated by Robert Aveline— president of the tourism economy at the Grenoble CCI—and the Grenoble Alpes Mountain Planet collective led by FF, in charge of mountain sports and leisure at the Grenoble CCI. Choosing
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the strategy to support our regions and companies was based on the idea that we are “stronger together.” Together to develop the mountain economy, Grenoble-Alpes. The Grenoble CCI, with all the surrounding regions, is leading a collective under the name “Grenoble Alpes.” The collective brings together stakeholders in developing mountain economies: local authorities, public institutions, and innovative companies. The Isère region is the leading French department in terms of the number of patents filed per inhabitant and has several laboratories of excellence and R&D, and two living labs in development (Inolab Voiron, Cycling Lab Oisans). But the region also boasts
innovation in the service industry. And in the future, we will open up our governance to newly elected officials and to our region’s inhabitants, consumers, SMEs, start-ups, and any excellence centers present.
The 2020 Grenoble Alps collective brings together four public institutions and regions that work with 20 companies: Skibrid, Bluecime sivao, Sobeca, Peopeo, Appro Mountain, Graaly, Prestalp, Neptune Internet Services, Alpes Vérif, Ecoload, Beauchamp, Skaping, Alpwise, A2 photonic sensors, Electralpes, Géolithe, CEA Tech, Lad Publicité, Hiceo, Minalogic Easytech.
LA RÉGION
DE LA MONTAGNE Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 2020 © Juan Aubert
1ÈRE RÉGION DE MONTAGNE D’EUROPE
#laregiondelamontagne auvergnerhonealpes.fr
MA MONTAGNE AUTREMENT
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