Temperatures in the UK have plummeted this week, which means ski season is on the way.
Luckily, our neighbours on the continent house some of the world’s best ski resorts which means a powdery ski trip is easy to do as a weekend or week-long break.
This year travellers have shifted towards a more eco-conscious way of travelling - largely thanks to Greta Thunberg and her steadfast activism against climate change – and this continues into the winter travel season too.
Tim Williamson, Customer Director at Responsible Travel - an organisation encouraging people to travel consciously - tells the Standard that the nation is “collectively becoming increasingly conscious of our holidays’ carbon impact”.
He continued: “Small actions can make for a much more sustainable winter break – and a better experience. Climate heating does mean we’ll have to reimagine winter tourism: mass fake snow use at downhill resorts isn’t sustainable. But we’ve seen a leap in interest in alternatives like skate touring, snowshoeing and wildlife tracking, with more people seeking a richer wilderness experience – a connection to nature and community, away from the crowds.”
Below, Williamson shares five tips for choosing a more eco-conscious ski holiday this winter.
Avoid fake snow
Responsible Travel is calling for resorts to ‘say no to fake snow’ as fake snow is harmful to the environment, yet is being used by up to 50 per cent of ski resorts in Switzerland and 70 per cent in Austria.
Williamson adds: “We’ve campaigned against the use of fake snow made from snow cannons. Increasingly used due to a warming climate and demand for pristine slopes, they’re bad for biodiversity and use vast quantities of water.
“Where possible, opt for resorts that don’t use snow cannons. Or choose a resort at a higher altitude, or in region and at a time of year when natural snow is most likely.”
Opt for train travel
Flygskam- or flight shaming – is likely to intensify over the ski season as Brits head off on winter sun trips or jaunts to Europe. Luckily for Brits, Europe is easy to get to and is well connected which means reaching many popular resorts by rail can be easier than flying.
“Say goodbye to the 4am alarm clock and lengthy transfer up tight, winding mountain roads. Eurostar offers a Ski Train service - and websites like Snow Carbon and Flight Free Ski can help with those more hard-to-reach destinations,” Williamson says.
Consider hiring your ski gear this winter
Last-minute panic shopping for items you’ll only wear on the slopes is a favoured British pastime, but one that’s costing the environment.
Williamson suggests, “Instead of buying new, do your wallet - and the environment - a favour: book with a company that provides as much quality, specialist clothing and equipment as possible. Alternatively, services like Ski Togs allow you to rent what you need at a fraction of the cost.”
Choose locally-sourced food
Eating is one of the travel’s greatest pleasures, but do the environment a favour and opt for locally-sourced food when visiting your chosen destination. Williamson says, "By choosing fewer meat products and dining in local restaurants, you can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint."
Choose an alternative activity to downhill skiing
Whether it’s a (responsible) husky or e-sledding safari, soaking up the northern lights, ski cross-country, or skate touring there is plenty of other cold weather activities to enjoy that rarely require fake snow.
