The French ski resorts of Morzine and Avoriaz will become the ninth winners of the Flocon Vert sustainability award ©Getty Images

The French ski resorts of Morzine and Avoriaz are to be jointly awarded the Flocon Vert sustainability label at a ceremony in September, becoming the ninth winners of the title.

Flocon Vert, which translates as "Green Snowflake", status is awarded by the European organisation Mountain Riders to recognise resorts operating a sustainable development policy.

As reported by PlanetSKI, the tourist offices of Morzine and Avoriaz collaborated to implement a joint strategy on sustainable development, having undertaken an evaluation of existing environmental measures.

This included schemes such as introducing more environmentally-friendly public transport, new pedestrianised areas, changes to urban planning, traffic reduction measures and cutting down on waste.

This was approved by the Flocon Vert committee, which conducted final checks and audits on its progress in January.

The Montagne Verte organisation is based in Morzine, and has already promoted initiatives to encourage residents and tourists to act sustainably, including many accommodation providers using environmentally-friendly cleaning products and cutting their carbon footprint by using local food and products.

To receive Flocon Vert status, resorts must satisfy 20 criteria across four themes ©Getty Images
To receive Flocon Vert status, resorts must satisfy 20 criteria across four themes ©Getty Images

An official ceremony in Morzine-Avoriaz to mark the award has been arranged for September 9.

"Gaining this award is an incredible achievement for Morzine and Avoriaz," the leader of the project for Morzine was quoted.

"[It required] well over a year of work together to gather information, create a strategy and action plan start putting improvements and new projects into place.

"We chose to go for Flocon Vert as it is a process of continuing development, with independent audits every six months as well as the main one every three years.

"We still have a lot to do but are delighted to see the actions so far being recognised, and very motivated to keep pushing forward."

The Flocon Vert award was launched in 2011, and since 2017 each resort has had to fulfil 20 criteria, divided into governance and destination, local economy, social and cultural, and national resources and ecology themes.

The eight previous winners of the award were Les Arcs, Megève, Valberg, Chamrousse, La Pierre Saint Martin, Les Rousses, Vallée de Chamonix and Châtel - all in France.