Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports, but it can be surprisingly polluting for the planet. From the flights, to the equipment, to staying halfway up a mountain, the environmental impact of skiing can rack up. But there are ways to reduce this impact and ski greener – check out these tips on how to care for those mountain slopes, even as you speed down them.
Take the Train
Many top ski destinations in France, Germany, and Switzerland are accessible by train. If you’re starting anywhere within mainland Europe, this means that there is a travel option that is far less polluting than flying. Make the journey through the stunning snow-capped slopes part of the experience.
Travel Light
However you’re getting to your chalet, the heavier your kit, the more fossil fuels the train or plane will emit. Why buy everything, when you can hire most of the kit you’ll need from good ski resorts? Reusing is much better than buying new every time, and it can significantly cut the cost of your ski trip, too.
Eat Local
When you’re on vacation, make an effort to eat local foods. Transporting foods to the mountains is fuel-intensive, so if you’re eating grapefruit and watermelon halfway up an Alpine slope, you’ll know it comes with some serious air miles. Mountain food is often hearty and warming to deal with the climate, so lean into this after a day of hard work on the slopes and enjoy those buttered potatoes and creamy mushrooms!
