Mountain Lovers, listen up! Today is Earth Day, and it’s time to show some love to our planet before it’s too late. As skiers, we’re blessed to witness the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, but we also bear a huge responsibility to minimise our impact on the environment. It’s time to step up and start making a difference – whether it’s reducing our carbon footprint or backing eco-friendly brands, we need to be more conscious of our actions. The clock is ticking, so let’s take action now and do our part to protect our playground.
In this blog, we’ll share 6 tips and ideas for how you can be a more Environmentally Conscious Skier and help protect the planet for future generations to come.
1. Choose eco-friendly ski equipment & clothing
As consumers become more aware of environmental issues, the ski and snowboard industry is transforming towards sustainability. There are several ski gear brands that have made a conscious effort to be eco-friendly such as Picture Organic Clothing, which uses recycled polyester and organic cotton in their clothing, and Faction Skis, which uses bamboo cores in their skis. (Bamboo is an environmentally friendly choice because it grows super fast and needs less energy to make compared to other materials used for ski cores like metal or fiberglass. Plus, it’s a renewable resource!) By choosing brands like these, we can support sustainable practices and reduce our impact on the environment.
Check out our blog on 5 sustainable brands that are pushing for change
2. Buy pre-owned gear
Another way to be a more eco-friendly skier is to buy pre-owned outerwear and hard goods. Not only does it keep gear out of landfills, but it also reduces the demand for new products, (helping to lower the environmental impact of manufacturing). You can snag some sweet deals on second-hand gear at local ski shops (that often sell ex-rentals for a reduced price), online marketplaces, or through buy-and-sell groups on social media. So, instead of buying new, why not save some cash and help out the planet by choosing pre-owned gear or ex-rentals?
3. Rent your gear!
For those of you skiers who only hit up the slopes once or twice a year, we suggest renting your gear instead of buying new. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint, but you’ll also shed luggage weight and get to test out brand-new gear. It’s a win-win situation! You can also rent gear online with companies such as Les Petit Montagnards and Eco-Ski and get it delivered straight to your door!
4. Support eco-friendly ski resorts
Many ski resorts are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact by using renewable energy, reducing waste, and implementing other sustainable practices. When planning your next ski trip, consider supporting eco-friendly resorts that prioritise sustainability. For instance, Les Arcs in France has implemented an eco-friendly program to reduce waste, promote recycling and minimise the use of pesticides. The resort also operates an electric shuttle bus to transport skiers and has installed energy-efficient lighting and snow-making systems.
5. Ski Uphill
We all know that ski resorts use a significant amount of energy to power lifts and snow-making machines. The solution? Swap the lifts for a pair of touring skis! Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, but you’ll skip the weekend crowds, work a sweat and get fresh tracks.
Find your perfect guide with SkiBro.
6. Pack out what you pack in
Whether you’re munching on sandwiches, crisps, or cliff bars, remember to pack out what you pack in. Don’t leave any wrappers or scraps behind – even if there aren’t any bins around. Just toss it in your bag or pocket, and dispose of it properly when you get home. By leaving no trace, you’re doing your part to preserve the natural beauty of the mountains and ensure that future generations can enjoy skiing too.
Do you have more suggestions? Let us know in the comment section below!
