Skiing is an extremely popular middle-class winter sport that sees thousands of enthusiasts jet around the globe to slide down the slopes, only to return home a few days later after pursuing an environmentally unfriendly pastime.
Resort skiing is an energy consuming operation and across the European Alps ski resort owners are striving to meet the ever increasing energy demands for grooming slopes, running lifts and keeping their resorts warm.
This increasing movement towards reducing the carbon footprint, ski destinations have had to adapt. Resorts are tightening guidelines to ensure properties are using sustainable methods to provide a greener alpine experience.
So the next time you are planning to go for an eco-friendly and green ski holiday, consider visiting any of the below mentioned sustainable ski destinations and booking with reputed providers like Alpine Elements.
Tignes
Tignes was the first ski resort which was awarded the Green Globe Label, way back in 1995, which is an international certificate program that rewards those organisation’s in the tourist industry that contribute positively to people and the planet.
Apart from dismantling and removing over 100 lift towers from the ski area, Tignes has introduced a number of waste management initiatives like complementary pocket ashtrays and eco-responsive use of products where possible.
Every year fresh grass is transplanted to carefully blend the ski runs into the landscape in order to provide the snowpack with a more stable base.
Where to stay in Tignes: Skiers looking for a great location and a cosy mountain retreat should look no further than Chalet Marilyn a charming place to stay for eight persons.The accommodation lies just two minutes from the Chaudanne and Pacquis chair lifts, means you can ski back to within 100 m of the chalet.
Avoriaz
The brainchild of former Olympic champion skier Jean Vuarnet,this purpose built ski resort of Avoriaz was established in the 1960s and its striking appearance sets it apart from all other ski destinations in the Portes des Soleil ski area.
Avoriaz is a totally ski-out resort which means you don’t have to lug your heavy ski equipment to the slopes and moreover, as far the environment is concerned, the resort is completely car free.
Apart from the Green Globe certificate Avoriaz has been awarded an ISO 14001 Environmental Management award for being the most innovative resort for sustainability.Since 2016, the ski resorts of Avoriaz have been powered 100% by solar power and hydro wind.
Where to stay in Avoriaz; Enjoying a wonderful location and Chalet Marie lies right on the piste near the centre of Avoriaz. This incidentally is the only ski-in and ski-out chalet in the Portes des Soleil ski area and a firm favorite among snowboarders and skiers.
La Plagne
La Plagne is another very popular ski destination that has contributed much to sustainable tourism by using 100% renewable electricity to power its lift system which is shared with Les Arcs and is committed to a more sustainable and greener future.
Since energy is the essential element of any resort, La Plagne Centre has installed a biomass heating plant,which has been running since 2009, and has been supplying 90% of the energy the resort needs.
As far as transport is concerned, the tourism office has opted for only electric vehicles to prevent emission of greenhouse gases when skiers travel around. Connected with a dynamic rail network,there is no need to take a car to access the resort.
Where to stay in La Plagne; Chalet Charmant lies bang in the centre of Plagne village near some of the best ski slopes in the region at minimal walking distance.The chalet sleeps up to 12 adults and is perfect for a self-catered chalet experience.
Meribel
Meribel, like all other resorts in the Three Valley Skiing area, sources the energy it needs to power the snow cannons and lifts from renewable sources in the form of hydro power generated by the hydroelectric dams located throughout the region.
Additionally, the ski area in Morzine also utilizes solar energy for all radio communication that is necessary to maintain the slopes as well as for powering the swimming pool and the ice rink.
The green plan Meribel encourages more and more people to walk that provides the perfect solution to reduce traffic in not only Meribel,but in the surrounding villages as well. The free bus service has helped reduce local emissions by eliminating the need for private cars.
Where to stay in Meribel: Chalet Jolie in Meribel, offers a large self-appointed staying option with 10 ensuite bedrooms for twenty guests.The chalet has a hot tub, sauna and skiers can ski back to within 300 m of the chalet. Not only that, the free bus service stops just outside the chalet, making it very easy to access the place from the Meribel city centre and the Chaudanne chair lift. Your package will include breakfast on each day, afternoon tea and cakes and a three course dinner with complimentary wine for six nights
Morzine
The French ski resort of Morzine was the ninth winner of the Flocon Vert,or “Green Snowflake” sustainability label at a ceremony in September 2020.The award is given by the Mountain Riders, a European organization,to resorts that endorse sustainable development measures.
This includes various schemes aimed at introducing environment-friendly public transport, opening more pedestrian areas, traffic reduction and incorporating waste reduction techniques.
Moreover,the Montagne Verte organization is based in Morzine and has succeeded in encouraging both tourists as well as locals to act sustainably by cutting their carbon footprints by consuming local food and products.
Where to stay in Morzine: For a truly luxurious travel experience,the Chalet Well in Morzine is a premium property which can sleep 14 persons, looking for a high standard of service. Apart from oozing alpine charm from every corner,the chalet sits high overlooking Morzine, providing sweeping views of the valley below,not to forget a warm hot-tub awaiting you at the end of a hard day on the slopes.
