How To Ski More Sustainably: 10 simple changes
HOW TO SKI MORE SUSTAINABLY: 10 SIMPLE CHANGES
If you’re trying to live more sustainably, taking a ski holiday might not seem like an option. The ski industry can seem like a wasteful market that is at odds with the sustainability movement. It can also feel like we shouldn’t be taking holidays at all, like the only green option is to stop travelling altogether.
But don’t cancel that holiday yet!
The ski and snowboard industry is working harder than you know to reduce its impact and protect its mountains. You might not be aware of all the changes, but resorts in Europe are striving to become more sustainable and are implementing green methods of snow production, lift power, and transportation.
Plus, you can always make changes on an individual level to minimise your environmental impact. We can still take holidays, visit beautiful places and enjoy the wonder of a ski holiday, we just have to change our mindset and find different ways to go about it.
In this post, we’ll look at ten simple changes we can make to help us ski more sustainably, make our holidays greener, and protect these mountains for future generations.
Choose your destination carefully
Some resorts are working harder than others to limit their environmental impact and protect their mountains while still offering a great ski holiday experience.
Le Flocon Vert is an award set up by the French environmental organisation Mountain Riders. It rewards resorts for environmental practices and the greenness of their extended communities. Morzine, Megève and Chamonix have all received this award, and Avoriaz has not only won this one but several others.
St Anton has recently started using solar-powered lifts, while La Plagne and Paradiski have been applauded for using 100% renewable power for their chairlifts since 2012.
So do a little research and pick a resort that’s showing a commitment to being greener. And check out what else La Plagne is up to on their environmental journey.
Change how you get there
One of the biggest ways to ski more sustainably, is to change how you get to resort. And it can be a positive change too! Consider taking the train from London to the Alps. It works brilliantly for La Plagne since the trains stop in Aime-La-Plagne, just 20 minutes from the resort.
Many people who’ve tried the train are now converts. This is especially true for families with young children who find it more enjoyable than the disjointed and chaotic experience of flying out to a resort. There’s less waiting and queuing, and you just sit back, relax and watch the countryside pass by. It can be more economical too since luggage fees are often included.
Check out Snow Carbon for all the information and to book ski holiday packages that include train travel.
If you do fly – and we understand that the train doesn’t work for everyone – see if you can offset the carbon of your flight. And then choose a transfer company like Cool Bus, which has electric vehicles and pledges to be carbon neutral by 2025.
Research your accommodation
Make sure you’re choosing accommodations that pledge to operate sustainably. Accommodation agents like Fish&Pips ( Meribel, Courchevel, Morzine, Zermatt, Val Thorens, Val d’Isere and The Dolomites), or AliKats – Morzine specialists have public policies to uphold to work as greenly as possible and have information to help you offset your trip’s carbon.
Use public transport
There’s no need to be driving in a ski resort. In La Plagne – as in most ski resorts – you’ll find gondolas between the villages and shuttle buses running constant loops around the resort. It’s better for the environment, you don’t have to worry about finding parking, and they’re free!
A lot of resorts are also committing to more electric vehicles, which means even less CO2 emissions from the public transport networks.
Go green for après activities
Consider something like snowshoeing or Randonnée for an activity that has zero carbon footprint. Or, for something adventurous that doesn’t require a vehicle try the Super Luge Derby or Electric Moon-Bikes.
And keep an eye out for green alternatives to traditional activities. Oxygene La Plagne has recently brought in Moon Bikes, which are essentially electric Skidoos. You can still enjoy a nighttime exploration of the mountain, but no petrol is used, and noise pollution is significantly reduced.
Make your gear last longer
We all want to look good when we’re on the mountain, and you need quality ski and snowboard clothing that keeps you dry and warm. But if you’re thinking of buying new gear for your holiday, consider the many green options there are out there.
If you’re buying new, shop brands that care, such as Picture, which use recycled materials for their clothing. Or North Face and Patagonia, which offer buyback programs to ensure your gear gets recycled and reused.
One Tree At A Time is an Alps-based collective that not only sells second-hand gear but recycles ski clothing and runs “fix it” days where you can repair and update your used jackets and salopettes. Or patch up small holes yourself with the awesome, colourful, expressive Noso patches.
Or how about renting your look for your holiday? Renting is not just for equipment anymore. You can rent outer layers, technical clothes, gloves, goggles and, well, everything you need for your ski holiday. This is an excellent idea for kids who will grow out of anything you buy them within a year and anyone who fancies a new look each time they ski. Check out EcoSki and Ski Chic, online companies that rent high-performance gear, quality brands, and fashionable looks.
And of course, you can sell your gear after your holidays – especially that kids’ gear that no longer fits. Check out dedicated winter sports peer-2-peer marketplace WhoSki.com to sell that used ski clothing.
Limit single-use plastic
If you have any interest in environmental issues, you’re probably all over this one in your home life. But it can be easy to slip out of good habits while you’re on holiday. So remember to:
- Carry a reusable water bottle
- Choose a reusable coffee cup
- Say no to straws and plastic cups in bars
- Opt for canvas and cotton shopping bags rather than plastic.
- Use reusable wraps or boxes rather than plastic wrap for picnics.
Pick your restaurants wisely
Look for restaurants that are making a commitment to locally sourced menus, both food and wine.
It’s been slow to arrive in France – and La Plagne especially – but plant-based or vegetarian options are becoming more and more commonplace throughout France. Restaurants like Expedition in La Plagne change their menu weekly to work with local farmers and suppliers. And their food is delicious!
Shop wisely
How are you spending your money in resort? When you shop local instead of buying from chains, you not only support small businesses but you cut down on the carbon used for shipping and packaging.
For souvenirs, look for shops selling locally made products like alpine honey, liqueurs or tea, or handmade clothes and toys rather than mass-produced plastic. Remember, you vote with your €€!
Don't litter
While this might seem obvious, it needs to be said because, unfortunately, it still happens. When the snow melts at the end of the season, the amount of rubbish found under chairlifts is shocking.
If you can’t keep hold of it, don’t get it out on a lift. Put food wrappers in your pocket and if you smoke, carry a portable ashtray – they’re cheap, nifty and keep cigarette butts off the mountain.
Put your rubbish in a bin and recycle wherever possible.
Sounds simple? It is!
That's It
Ten simple ways to make your holiday more environmentally friendly and help you ski more sustainably. Remember, every change, no matter how small, is a step forward. And if we all keep making small changes and encouraging the industry to do the same, we can protect our mountains and the winter sports that we love.
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An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but typically folks dont discuss these issues. To the next! All the best!!
Sustainability is so important – especially in the mountains. So if you are skiing, it’s always a great thing to think about how you can take a ski holiday more is a more sustainable fashion.