S3V is involved in various scientific programs in partnership with the research community and, more generally, with the mountain ecosystem. These programs aim to validate technical innovations and make them accessible to a wider audience through public outreach and the sharing of experience.
Orchamp Program
In the context of climate change, S3V has been part of the ORCHAMP network since 2020 (and for at least 50 years), alongside nearly 50 other sites. This program is a spatio-temporal observatory of biodiversity and the functioning of mountain socio-ecosystems.
The system in place is deployed in 6 locations between 1 meters above sea level (Tania forest) and 500 meters above sea level (above the Col de la Loze).
The themes observed by research institutions such as CBNA, CEN, INRA, IRSTEA, ONF, etc. are flora, habitats, fauna with large vertebrates going as far as soil microorganisms, landscapes, pedology and soil DNA as well as abiotic meteorological data.
This program will enrich our environmental knowledge of our territory , and thus refine our future planning choices.
Vivalp Living Lab
S3V is a partner in the VIVALP Living Lab in the Three Valleys region, led by INRAE and LESSEM in Grenoble. This research program studies Nature-based Solutions (NBS) and experiments with bioengineering techniques . In Courchevel, a project has been set up on an unstable slope in the Moriond sector to test these bioengineering techniques.
The goal ? To identify effective techniques in order to replicate them and present them as a mature and functional alternative to civil engineering for protecting mountain slopes. A technical guide for project developers will be produced to explain the different techniques in practical terms.
Technical guide "Operational rehabilitation of alpine pastureland"
Initiated by Domaines Skiables de France (Savoie section), in partnership with experts (Edytem laboratory, Société d'Economie Alpestre, Soltis Environnement), this study evaluated the success and failure factors of soil rehabilitation projects in 8 pilot resorts.
The objective is to produce an operational guide offering concrete technical solutions to support stakeholders at each stage of the ecological rehabilitation of ski slopes.
Technical day for revegetating ski slopes
In 2023, the Société des 3 Vallées organized a technical workshop on the revegetation of mountain slopes using local seeds and a range of different techniques (green hay, seed peddlers, topsoil removal). Around twenty ski patrol managers from across France, as well as experts in the field (CBNA, EDYTEM, INRAE, etc.), gathered for roundtable discussions on revegetation expertise, soil management, and local seeds.
Three Valleys Transition Committee
S3V is deeply involved in the transition committee established in 2023 with the other operators of the Three Valleys ski areas. The objective of this transition committee is to raise public awareness of the environmental actions being carried out jointly in the Three Valleys and to leverage this momentum to move forward together towards a more sustainable development of the world's largest ski area.