Leave No Trace: Sustainable Ski Holidays
Skiing is a popular hobby for many people in England. There are a few indoor ski slopes, but most choose to go abroad on ski holidays. However, climate change is causing shorter winters and less snow.
Plus of course ski lifts and snow machines need power, most people fly to ski resorts, then there is all the ski gear (skis, ski clothing, ski boots and ski sunsglasses).
The good news is that a few simple swaps can drastically reduce your carbon footprint, if you like taking skiing holidays.
Choose eco-friendly ski resorts
Many resorts now go out of their way to reduce carbon emissions. So if you can, choose one of those resorts.
Switzerland’s Saas-Fee village is a car-free ski resport in the canton of Valais, surrounded by the highest mountain. With wooden chalets and electric transport, you get a pass on arrival to take both cable cars and buses. The area is also surrounded by 350km of hiking trails.
You can arrive via the Swiss railway network to Vispa, and catch a scenic postal bus direct to the resort (around 3 hours from Zurich).
Consider how you travel
You could take the train, but if you have lots of ski luggage, at least read tips on greener air travel. This includes avoiding business class (if you can help it), taking direct flights, choosing a VGML (vegan) meal and avoiding the tiny toiletries, bags of pretzels and hot towels in plastic packs!
Choose zero waste ski gear
- If you ski a lot, invest in greener ski gear. EcoSki offers pre-owned skiwear (that or new items can be repaired) and you can also rent ski wear, if you only are skiing occasionally.
- For when you’re not on the slopes, Will’s Vegan Shoes offer quality snow boots, built to withstand freezing temperatures, coupled with water-resistant membranes and vegan wool collars to lock heat in. They recommend using ice spikes. .
- Isle of Wight company Rapanui offers nice tight-weave jumpers that are made from organic cotton, but as warm as wool. If you wear ski clothes from recycled plastic bottles, launder in a microfibre filter.
Natural sun protection and sunglasses
Sunburn can sneak up on the mountains, but not all sun creams are mountain-friendly. Chemical-based sunscreens often wash off and end up in local rivers. Choose natural sun protection, which blocks UV without harming the landscape or coral reefs.
Never use human sunscreen on pets. Wash natural sunscreens off before letting pets kiss you, due to toxic zinc oxide. Read more on natural sun protection (for people and pets).
Choose sustainable sunglasses, to protect your eyes from strong Alpine sun. It’s best to choose biodegradable frames if near the sea (recycled plastic is still plastic, and could leach microplastics – but these are a good choice, if you’re not going to lose them near water).
Eco tips for sustainable ski holidays
- Skiiing is a sport, so it’s likely you’ll get thirsty. So take a reusable water bottle with you
- If you smoke, pack a personal ashtray to immediately extinguish cigarette butts, until you safely find a secure bin.
- Choose organic and plant-based foods. Most ski resorts offer places to drink and eat in the evening. Especially abroad, stick to plant-based options to avoid dodgy foods (especially say in France) and go for local regional dishes.
