Chamonix has launched an excellent new website (www. chamonixgoesgreen.org) which lists its many environmental activities and initiatives, as well as those of the surrounding area. Unlike the first generation of environmental sections on websites, the Chamonix site is both detailed and pro-active, encouraging everyone who loves Chamonix and the area to get involved and think green in everything they do.

Amongst the pages of news and information are details of several transport initiatives designed to cut CO₂ emissions. These include plans to replace 12 of the resort’s bus fleet this year with eco-friendly buses which meet the Euro 5 standard for anti-pollution. These buses have 80% lower emissions and are accessible to handicapped people. Chamonix is also gradually developing cycle routes in the limited area around the town.

There is also an exciting plan to launch a new tram-train project by 2012 with a service every 20 minutes.

Chamonix is already accessible by a pleasant train service and runs the free Mulets shuttle bus. The public transport services in the valley transport 1,500,000 people each year (a million of these during the winter) with the ski lift company subsidising two thirds of the 3.3m Euro cost of operating the service. A further 400,000 Euros are spent on providing the rail link.

www.chamonixgoesgreen.org