If you want to go skiing but are worried about the environmental implications, there are steps you can take to limit your impact. While this can seem complicated at first, our experts have broken down the best way to plan out your eco-conscious ski holiday, ensuring you have the best time while still doing your part for the environment.
Choose eco-friendly ski resorts
One of the easiest ways to limit the impact your ski holiday in France has on the environment is by choosing an eco-friendly ski resort. While this can seem like a challenge, there are several options that have been recognised for their sustainability.
When searching for suitable resorts, you should check whether they are certified by environmental organisations, like Green Globe or Mountain Riders.
Choosing a sustainable ski resort not only supports the efforts they make towards their environmental impact, but it also encourages other resorts to take similar measures, especially as eco-friendly resorts become the more popular, deliberate choice.
Getting there sustainably
Air travel is, undoubtedly, one of the largest contributors to a ski trip’s carbon footprint. As such, choosing a different method of travel is an easy way to limit the impact your trip has on the environment.
Of course, air travel is typically used for its convenience and speed, but rail is a much more sustainable option. Additionally, the rail systems across the UK and Europe are well-connected and can help you access your resort with a much lower carbon footprint.
In fact, there is a dedicated Eurostar Snow train which will take you to the ski slopes in the French Alps. This direct train removes any travel headaches and lets you focus on enjoying your holiday in style.
Sustainable gear and clothing choices
If you want to limit your impact even further, you might want to consider renting your gear instead of buying it. This can be a great option for first-time skiers and those who don’t ski regularly. In the short term, it’s a budget-friendly option that uses existing resources instead of requiring new ones.
On the other hand, if skiing is about to become a frequent hobby, then you might want to invest in your own, eco-friendly gear. With that in mind, you should look for options that are made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials.
Support local and low-impact activities
Of course, another way you can make your ski holiday more eco-conscious is by exploring and supporting low-emission, off-slope activities. Options like snowshoeing and Nordic skiing put much less demand on traditional ski slopes, instead relying on naturally occurring snow and the local environment.
By pursuing these low-impact variations, you encourage resorts to focus more attention on sustainable options, rather than traditional downhill skiing, which requires energy-intensive lifts and significant infrastructure.