After a five year battle the Swiss side fo the Portes du Soleil have signed a deal with ecologists. The ski area intends to invest CHF 100 million to 2024. The deal will see pistes removed, an upgrade of ski lifts, more snow making and protection for wetlands.
A first version of the accord was rejected in 2007 and again in 2008 by residents of the Val-d’Illiez. They didn’t want the lift company TéléMorgins SA to develop the north side of the Pointe-de-l’Au in favour of Champoussin.
According to Marie-Thérèse Sangra, secretary of WWF Valais it is an exemplary deal which guarantees peace between the various actors for the next 15 years. The deal still has to pass a public inquiry and be ratified by the communities of Monthey, Troistorrents, Val-d’Illiez and Champéry.