Winter holidays are a highlight of the year, with snowy landscapes, warm lodges, and the thrill of skiing or snowboarding. However, behind this is a hidden environmental cost as long-distance flights and energy-intensive ski resorts, can have a huge impact on the environment.
The good news is that sustainable travel is entirely achievable. With careful planning and a few strategic decisions, you can experience the magic of winter while still maintaining the delicate alpine ecosystems that make these destinations so unique.
This article provides practical techniques for reducing your carbon footprint and planning eco-friendly winter travel, sustainable ski excursions, and green winter holidays that are equally rewarding.
In this Article
Why Winter Travel Has a Higher Carbon Footprint
Winter destinations require more energy and resources than warm‑weather holidays. Understanding the “why” helps you make smarter, more sustainable decisions.
Heating & Energy Use
Mountain regions are quite chilly, thus hotels, cabins, restaurants, and transportation networks rely primarily on heating.
Unless the resort uses sustainable energy, this is usually done with fossil fuels.
Snowmaking
As climate change diminishes natural snowfall, many resorts rely on artificial snow.
Snowmaking requires a large amount of water, high electricity use and cold temperatures to operate. This greatly increases a resort’s carbon impact.
Transport Emissions
Many winter destinations are remote and travellers often rely on long‑haul flights, multiple transfers or cars through mountain roads.
This makes transport the biggest contributor to winter travel emissions.
Gear Production
Ski gear, winter clothing and equipment are frequently constructed with synthetic materials obtained from fossil fuels.
Manufacturing, transporting, and disposal all contribute to the environmental impact.
Choose Low-Carbon Transport Options
Transport is the single most important factor in reducing your winter travel footprint. Making a smart choice here can cut your emissions dramatically, as train travel is one of the most sustainable and scenic ways to reach winter destinations. Trains are a much greener option than flights because, there are:
- No airport transfers
- Direct routes to many European ski towns
- Comfortable, spacious, and scenic journeys
Despite this, flying is sometimes unavoidable. Although you can still reduce your footprint. Here are some tips for lower carbon flights:
- Choose direct flights as take-off and landing produce the most emissions
- Fly economy
- Pack light as less weight equals to lower fuel use
- Avoid short‑haul flights where train alternatives exist
- Support airlines investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
Moreover, you can also contribute to verified carbon‑reduction projects, but this should be a supplement and not a substitute for reducing emissions.
Once you arrive at your destination, your local transport choices matter too. Choosing greener ground transport, such as:
- Resort shuttle buses
- Electric vehicle rentals
- Car‑sharing with friends or other travellers
- Walking or using gondolas for local movement
Many ski resorts now offer free or low‑cost shuttle services to reduce traffic and emissions.
Pick Sustainable Ski Resorts and Accommodations
Choosing where you stay has a huge impact on the sustainability of your trip. Some resorts are pioneering eco‑friendly practices, whilst others lag behind. Here is what you should look for in an eco-friendly ski resort:
Renewable Energy Use
Resorts powered by solar, hydro, wind and biomass energy have significantly less emissions.
Efficient Snowmaking
Look for resorts that use energy‑efficient snow guns, optimise snowmaking only when necessary and use recycled water systems.
Waste and Water Management
Sustainable resorts often recycle and compost, reduce single‑use plastics and treat wastewater responsibly
Biodiversity Protection
Eco‑conscious resorts protect forests, wildlife corridors and alpine meadows.
They may also limit development to preserve natural landscapes.
Strong Public Transport Links
Resorts with train stations or shuttle networks reduce the need for cars.
Sustainability Certifications
These labels help you identify responsible destinations. For example: Green Key, B Corp, ISO 14001 and EU Ecolabel.
Choose Eco‑Friendly Winter Gear
Winter gear is essential, but it can also be wasteful. Here’s how to reduce your impact.
Rent Instead of Buying
If you ski occasionally, renting is the most sustainable option as it has many benefits, as it:
- Reduces waste
- Saves money
- Ensures high‑quality, well‑maintained gear
- Avoids fast‑fashion winter wear
Many resorts now offer premium rental services for skis, snowboards, helmets, and clothing.
Buy Second‑Hand or Recycled Gear
If you prefer owning your gear, choose wisely and look for:
- Jackets made from recycled polyester
- Brands with repair programmes
- Second‑hand platforms (e.g., Vinted, Depop, local outdoor shops)
- Durable, long‑lasting materials
Repair, Don’t Replace
A small tear or broken zip doesn’t mean your gear is finished, as it can be repaired through:
- DIY patch kits
- Local tailors
- Brand repair services
- Outdoor gear repair specialists
This extends the life of your clothing and reduces waste.
Reduce Your Impact During the Trip
Small daily habits make a big difference, especially in energy‑intensive winter environments.
Be Energy Smart
Heating is one of the biggest energy drains. Tips:
- Turn down heating when you leave
- Close windows and doors
- Use blankets instead of turning up the thermostat
- Switch off lights and electronics
Choose Reusable Items
Avoid single‑use plastics and disposables, during your travels and pack:
- Refillable water bottle
- Reusable coffee cup
- Reusable hand warmers
- Reusable snack containers
- Cloth shopping bag
As these small swaps reduce waste and save money.
Eat Local and Seasonal
Food miles add up quickly in remote mountain regions. Therefore you should choose:
- Local dishes
- Seasonal produce
- Restaurants that source locally
- Farmers’ markets
This supports the local economy and reduces emissions.
Respect Wildlife and Nature
Mountain ecosystems are fragile, therefore you should:
- Stay on marked trails
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife
- Avoid feeding animals
- Follow Leave No Trace principles
Support Local Communities and Conservation
Sustainable travel is about people as much as the planet.
Ways to Support Local Communities
- Book local guides
- Buy from small businesses
- Choose locally owned accommodations
- Attend cultural events
- Learn about local traditions
This ensures your money stays in the community.
Contribute to Conservation Efforts
Many resorts partner with environmental organisations. You can:
- Donate to conservation funds
- Join eco‑tours
- Participate in trail clean‑ups
- Support reforestation projects
These actions help protect mountain ecosystems for future generations.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly winter travel involves making careful decisions that safeguard the snowy landscapes we adore, rather than sacrificing favourite experiences. Choose greener transit, support sustainable resorts and adopt low-impact behaviours to enjoy amazing winter holidays while preserving mountain ecosystems for future generations.
Planet Pulse 
Leave a comment