As winter sets in, many families dream of a ski getaway, but often with doubts about the environmental impact. Traditional ski holidays tend to come with a hefty carbon footprint, from long flights to energy-heavy snowmaking. Yet, there is a way to enjoy the snow, stay warm, and make eco-conscious choices. A family ski trip can be sustainable here’s how we did it.
Getting There: The Green Way
When it comes to ski trips, the journey is where the most significant environmental impact lies. “The greenest ski resort is the one you get to without flying,” says Dom Winter from Protect Our Winters UK. For us, that meant hopping on the Eurostar Snow train from London, taking in the passing countryside as we made our way to the French Alps.
We switched trains at Lille and arrived in Bourg Saint-Maurice in the evening, with a carbon footprint of only 4.7kg per person far lower than the 110kg per person we would have emitted had we flown.
The benefits of train travel aren’t just environmental. There’s ample space for stretching out, playing, and dining, all without the stress of airport security or flight delays. Plus, traveling by train offers an immersive experience of Europe’s landscapes, from rural fields to snow-capped mountains, all while staying cozy inside.
Renting Your Gear: A Sustainable Option
While ski gear is essential, purchasing it for just one holiday doesn’t make sense. Instead, we turned to Ecoski, a ski-wear rental company that lets you rent everything from snowsuits to socks. The items are cleaned, sanitised, and sent directly to your home, eliminating the waste of one-time-use clothing. After the trip, simply return everything in the provided box. This process makes it easy to enjoy high-performance gear without contributing to overconsumption.
Choosing a Ski Resort: Sustainability Is Key
Climate change has altered ski resorts in the Alps. As temperatures rise, resorts must adapt, and some are taking a stand to preserve the environment. We chose Les Arcs, a destination certified with two Flocons Verts for sustainability. Les Arcs is a model of eco-conscious skiing: it operates on renewable energy, limits snow production, and strives for responsible resource management.
One of the best parts? The resort is car-free, making it peaceful and ideal for families. We stayed in Arc 1950, a charming ski-in/ski-out village, where sustainability blends with comfort. The village is designed for relaxation, offering shops, an artisanal bakery, and stunning views of the snow-capped mountains.
Experiencing the Ski Trip: Fun and Learning
Once we arrived, it was time to hit the slopes. As a beginner, I was nervous about skiing again after 25 years, but the lessons from our expert instructor, Louise, quickly put me at ease. We spent the day skiing, and my family had the opportunity to explore various runs, ranging from gentle slopes to more challenging black runs. Skiing, along with activities like snowshoeing, is an exhilarating way to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the mountains.
Enjoying Regional Delights and Unwinding
After a day of skiing, we indulged in regional delicacies, with many of the village restaurants serving fresh, locally sourced food like fondue and hearty stews. It’s a great reminder that travel can be both fun and sustainable, with every choice helping reduce your carbon footprint.
Conclusion
As the week came to an end, it was clear that sustainability and skiing can go hand in hand. From the eco-friendly train journey to the sustainable ski resort and rental gear, we made choices that helped protect the environment without sacrificing fun. And as we left the mountains, we felt connected not only to each other but to the beautiful landscapes that we had the privilege to explore.
For anyone looking to enjoy a ski holiday with a reduced environmental impact, I hope this trip provides inspiration. It’s posible to enjoy the slopes, stay cozy, and make a real difference.
