How to be a more sustainable skier
The future of skiing & snowboarding is dependent on us addressing climate change. Learn how to be a more sustainable skier to protect the future of the outdoor activity we love.
There are 3 key categories that have the largest emissions impact in the skiing industry: transport, skiing equipment, and resort infrastructure. This guide will give you the tools you need to minimise these emissions and be a more sustainable skier.
Transport
Avoiding flying is the biggest thing you can do to be a more sustainable skier. Flying to and from a ski holiday is the most significant contributor to the carbon footprint of a ski holiday by a long way. For a UK skier, flying is responsible for on average 66% of your carbon footprint for a one-week ski holiday (source: Protect our Winters Carbon Literacy course).
Here are the best options to get to-and-from the mountain in priority order:
Train
Coach
Car - shared with 3 others
Plane
Car - alone
Skiing/snowboarding equipment
Skiing/snowboarding equipment makes up 12% of your ski holiday carbon footprint, on average. This can be further broken down into the largest equipment contributors:
Skis: 5%
Boots: 2%
Jacket: 2%
Trousers: 1%
Renting ski equipment will have the biggest impact in this category. Rental equipment is likely to be used for more days as it’s reused by many people and removes the emissions from transporting your equipment on the holiday (mainly if you fly). If you own ski equipment, make sure you keep it well maintained and use it for as long as possible.
For clothing, also ensure your clothes last for as long as possible. Purchase second-hand clothing or clothing from brands with strong environmental standards.
When you’re finished with any equipment or clothing, sell or pass it on so it continues to be used to the end of its life.
Resort infrastructure
Resort infrastructure primarily includes lift systems, snow grooming and snow making machinery. This accounts for 11% of emissions on average.
The best thing you can do to reduce these emissions is choose your resort based on environmental commitments.
