6 tips for a more responsible ski holiday

You are planning your next snow vacation, but you think it is incompatible with that it is incompatible with an eco-responsible approach? Well, think again! It is possible to reconcile snow sports and the preservation of the mountain, a particularly fragile environment. But then, how to have a more responsible ski holiday? Let's take a look at the question in the following article.

1. Choose an eco-responsible ski resort to preserve the planet

Thanks to the "Flocon Vert" label, you can easily identify winter sports resorts committed to sustainable development. Here are some examples of environmental and social initiatives taken by some labeled destinations:

• Les Arcs (Savoie): construction of a high energy performance chalet.
• Châtel (Haute-Savoie): raising the population's awareness of the environment.
• Les Rousses (Jura): development of local energy with the creation of a wood boiler room.

You can also choose a ski resort certified "Green Globe", an international label that rewards tourist organizations that implement an ecological approach.

2. Opt for sustainable transportation to reduce your carbon footprint

Choose train travel for an eco-responsible trip to the snow. This means of transportation pollutes 8 times less than the car according to the ADEME (Agence De l'Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l'Énergie).
 
Today, railroads serve most of the ski resorts and shuttles will allow you to travel the last few kilometers to reach the foot of the slopes. Once you are there, it is best to travel on foot, by ski or by public transportation. If you don't plan to take the train, consider taking the bus or carpooling. 

3. Select accommodations committed to ecological tourism

For a more responsible ski holiday, we recommend renting an apartment rather than booking a hotel room, a less energy-consuming solution.

You can also stay in establishments with the "Green Key" label. Looking for sustainable and unusual accommodation? Here is an overview:

• The ecological gîte L'Orri de Planès, in the Pyrénées-Orientales ;
• The bioclimatic hotel La Croix de Savoie, in Les Carroz;
• The tree houses Entre Terre et Ciel, in the heart of the Val d'Arly;
• The ecobivouac of Saint François Longchamp, in the Maurienne valley. 

4. Rent your ski equipment to limit your environmental impact

Les Petits Montagnards' online outdoor equipment rental service offers you a real alternative to buying. You will be able to rent French and committed ski clothes for children and adults, while participating in the protection of the planet. The products are sent to your home, to a relay point or to the address of your vacation destination. The return is free for the customer. You will even find a waste collection kit inside your package!

5. Learn snow sports with an ESI network ski school in a friendly environment 

Would you like to learn about winter sports or improve your skills in a friendly ski school? Look no further! The ESI (International Ski School) network, deployed in France and Switzerland, will accompany you through personalized and innovative courses.

You will evolve in small groups to progress at your own pace while benefiting from special attention. Experienced and passionate instructors will take the time to listen to you and will propose activities corresponding to your desires and needs.

6. Consume locally to reduce pollution and support the local economy

Being locavore in the mountains is possible! Take advantage of your week on the slopes to discover local products. In the Pyrenees, treat yourself to Ossau-Iraty sheep's cheese or garbure béarnaise. In Savoie, taste the crozets or enjoy a good tartiflette after a day on the slopes!

Favouring direct sales and short circuits will allow you to :

• reduce your waste while shopping;
• limit the pollution linked to the transport of goods;
• support local agriculture.

So how can you have a more responsible ski holiday ?

Now you know how to have a more responsible ski holiday. Let's summarize the 6 tips to apply in order to prepare an environmentally friendly snow vacation: 

• select an eco-responsible resort ;
• choose less polluting means of transportation;
• choose ecological accommodations;
• rent your ski equipment;
• take snow sports lessons with the ESI network;
• eating locally.

🎿 Wavering between skiing and sledding? Discover the Yooner with the ESI network, a new form of sliding halfway between these two activities!  

❄️ Going to the mountains with your family? You'll love the baby ski suits for rent at Les Petits Montagnards.