To reduce your environmental impact during a ski holiday, focus on low-carbon travel (e.g., taking the train or bus), renting gear, choosing certified eco-accommodations, and eating local produce. In-resort decisions, such as taking free local shuttle buses rather than private cars, also make a significant difference.
Travel sustainably: Since travel accounts for the vast majority of your holiday's carbon footprint, take the Eurostar across the channel to major hubs like Paris or Lille, and connect to alpine trains like the SNCF straight into the French or Swiss Alps.
Rent your kit: Skip buying new gear. Use rental services like Eco Ski to rent high-quality clothing, or use resort-based shops to hire skis and snowboards, which saves transport emissions and cuts down on manufacturing waste.
Stay in eco-labeled lodging: Book apartments or hotels certified with green credentials. Search for places boasting the Green Key or B Corp certifications for their sustainability and energy-efficiency efforts.
Dine local: Ski-town meat and cheese imports can dramatically increase your carbon footprint. Try local, plant-forward options and regional wines, such as Savoie wines or locally brewed craft beers, rather than globally transported items.
Utilize resort transit: Leave the car parked. Most resorts offer free, zero-emission or low-emission electric ski buses that navigate between residential areas, the town center, and the main lift hubs.
Leave no trace: Always pack out what you pack in. Carry your rubbish in a bag, never toss cigarette butts off the chairlift, and use reusable flasks for water and coffee instead of buying single-use plastics. Always recycle your lift pass at the end of your holiday.