Towards a more responsible golf!
The Golf de La Rosière is committed to an ambitious and sustainable environmental approach, aiming to become a benchmark for the management and upkeep of a high-altitude golf course.
In France today, golf is evolving and fully integrate ecological concerns. The drafting of the national ‘Golf and the Environment’ charter by the French Golf Federation (FFGolf) and the Guide de Gestion Environnementale des Espaces Golfiques (Environmental Management Guide for Golf Areas) in 2017 are proof of this. These commitments provide a framework for practices and support golf courses in achieving more sustainable management. At La Rosière, these principles are rigorously applied on a daily basis.
Here, preserving the natural environment is even more essential, as golf’s challenges are combined with those of winter activities. La Rosière, a four-season resort, has a sustainable and responsible vision, always striving for improvement and never settling for what has already been achieved.
Principles upheld by Golf de La Rosière
Raising ecological awareness among golfers
Beyond the actions taken on the course, Raising players’ awareness is essential to fostering a more respectful approach to nature. La Rosière Golf Club has developed a range of educational tools:
- Information displays on eco-friendly practices,
- Maps of the golf course highlighting preserved areas,
- Biodiversity zones with explanatory panels,
- Information at the Pro Shop to encourage responsible behaviour (use of biodegradable tees, respect for natural habitats, etc.).
Golf in harmony with nature
The natural areas of the golf course serve as a haven for local flora and fauna, coexisting year-round with sporting activities. These include:
- Marmots feeding on the wild blueberries around the golf course
- Meadow larks benefiting from the insects naturally present in areas where the grass is not mown
- Red-legged frogs (a protected species) relying on wetlands for reproduction from June to September”
- Alpine Lycopes, a rare and protected plant, found near the golf course.
Protecting this ecosystem is a top priority.
An official recognition
In March 2022, Golf de La Rosière was awarded the Bronze Golf for Biodiversity label by the French Golf Federation and the Muséum National of Natural History. This programme aims to enhance knowledge, management, and conservation of biodiversity on golf courses.
This label testifies to the commitment of the Golf de La Rosière to the preservation and enhancement of its natural heritage.
Concrete actions implemented on the Golf de La Rosière
Eco-friendly gardening
Zero phyto: no phytosanitary products are used on the course.
Waste recycling: the golf course benefits from manure supplied by the Châtelard farm and shares green waste management with the Domaine Skiable, which is then composted.
Sustainable Water Management
- Targeted irrigation: only the greens and tees are watered; fairways are not.
- Rainwater harvesting: a 45 m³ underground tank, located beneath the tee of hole 1, collects rainwater from the roofs of the Clubhouse and the PARADiS restaurant.
- Resource optimization: water is occasionally sourced from the snowmaking pipes of the La Rosière ski area. This water, purchased from EDF, is channeled into a gallery that supplies Lake Roselend for hydroelectric power generation
We do not use potable water or extract water from the natural environment for golf course irrigation.
Biodiversity protection
- Creation of wetlands: two ponds have been built to support species such as the red-legged frog. They include escape devices to prevent wildlife from getting trapped.
- Expansion of the Environmental Observatory: an in-depth study of the La Rosière golf course ecosystem is being conducted by EPODE to enhance its protection.
A respectful infrastructure
- A sustainable Clubhouse: integrated landscaping, rainwater harvesting for irrigation, organic waste composting and heating via a wood pellet boiler. The structure housing the Pro Shop and the PARADiS restaurant was entirely designed with sustainability in mind.
Moving towards a plastic-free Golf Course
- Say goodbye to plastic! Reusable glass bottles in the club’s colors have been available at the Pro Shop since 2021.
- Sustainable equipment: pencils and tees made from untreated wood.
Accessibility and soft mobility
- A charging station has been installed for electric-assist mountain bikes.
- Regular free shuttles run between the resort center and Golf de La Rosière.