Sustainability and Skiing: Tips for Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
Sustainability and skiing may not seem like two things that go hand-in-hand, but it’s becoming increasingly important for skiers and snowboarders to consider the environmental impact of their activities. Skiing relies heavily on natural resources, and as the effects of climate change become more apparent, it’s important to take steps to minimise our impact on the environment.
One of the biggest ways that skiing impacts the environment is through carbon emissions. Ski resorts require a lot of energy to operate, and transportation to and from the mountains often involves burning fossil fuels. Additionally, the construction and maintenance of ski lifts and other infrastructure can have a significant impact on natural habitats and wildlife.
To address these issues, many ski resorts are taking steps to become more sustainable. This includes using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, implementing recycling programs, and encouraging visitors to use public transportation. Some resorts are even experimenting with alternative forms of transportation, such as electric snowmobiles and hybrid ski lifts.
Sustainability while Skiing: What Can You Do?
Sustainability isn’t just the responsibility of ski resorts – skiers and snowboarders can also take steps to reduce their impact on the environment. One of the easiest ways to do this is to use public transportation whenever possible. Taking a bus or train to the mountains can significantly reduce your carbon footprint, especially if you’re traveling with a group. The snow train is a great option for getting from Saint Pancras to the mountains, and while it may require a change in Paris, it’s a small inconvenience to help reduce your carbon footprint. Sharing a transfer is also a good idea, as it’s often cheaper than flying and takes about the same amount of time.
Once you’re in the mountains, it’s important to be mindful of your waste. Take all of your rubbish with you, and keep it in a bag until you can dispose of it properly in the right recycling bins. It’s also a good idea to pick up any litter you see on the slopes and dispose of it properly.
If you’re planning to have a picnic on the mountain, make sure to leave no trace. Take all of your rubbish with you and dispose of it properly, and avoid leaving any food or other waste behind. If you’re skiing or snowboarding in the backcountry, consider trying ski touring, which allows you to “earn your turns” and experience the mountains in a more sustainable way.
When it comes to ski gear, it’s important to think about sustainability as well. Rather than buying new gear every year, consider keeping your equipment for a few years. This helps reduce waste and minimises the environmental impact of the ski industry, which is a major contributor to carbon emissions.
In conclusion, sustainability is an important consideration when visiting the French Alps. By taking small steps like using public transportation, properly disposing of waste, and keeping ski gear for longer, we can all do our part to minimise our impact on the environment. So next time you’re in the mountains, remember to think green and make those small changes that can make a big difference.
Take a look at our video that we made in partnership with our friends at Maison Sport