Although not practiced much in England, skiing is a very popular sport in Europe and further afield, and millions of people here go abroad to don their skis and try beginner-friendly courses or go off-piste. The word ‘ski’ is from the Old Norse for the word skíð (which means to split a piece of wood).
Skiing is a very expensive sport which requires you to usually rent a chalet then rent (or buy) skies, ski boots, ski googles, ski clothing and apres-ski! There are many types of skiing including Alpine and downhill, but all take quite a while to learn and master.
Surprisingly for such an elite sport, there are few sustainable skiwear brands or even skis or skiboots. If you do wear ski clothes from recycled plastic bottles, launder in a microplastic catcher. To be a ‘sustainable skiier’ is more about common sense than buying things – take your litter with you, carbon-offset flights and support local shops when you arrive at the ski resort. You can rent (or buy pre-owned) skiwear at EcoSki. Isle of Wight company Rapanui offers nice tight-weave jumpers that are made from organic cotton, but as warm as wool.
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. Made in the foothills of Italy’s Dolomites. And you can return to recycle, at end of life.
protecting your eyes & skin from the sun
The sun is stronger at high altitudes, so read how to stay safe in the sun, naturally. Most natural sunscreens contain zinc or titanium oxide) toxic to pets) so shower it off, before allowing animal friends to lick your skin.
BioSunnies are made from leftover harvest of wheat straw (which would otherwise by burned) and biodegrade at end of life. These are light, comfortable, flexible, tough and pretty affordable. Sold in a kraft or cork carry pouch.
