The first snows are falling on Europe, and some of you are already thinking about their next trip down the slopes of the Alps.
What if this year you chose to spend your ski holidays in an ecofriendly resort?
Carbon neutral, car-free or green certified, more and more european ski resorts are implementing environmentally friendly practices to make your ski holidays greener.
To inspire you, here is our selection of 10 ski resorts in Europe, which focus on sustainable tourism, perfect to enjoy the slopes in harmony with nature.
Laax – Switzerland
© Laurent Perrent – Unsplash
Located south-east of Zurich, the resort of Laax is a paradise for snowboarders. It received the Worlds Best Freeride resort 2019 award by World Ski Awards end of November 2019.
With its 235 kilometres of slopes, the Flims Laax Falera ski area seduces sports enthusiasts of all levels by offering a variety of activities such as cross-country skiing, curling, carving, downhill skiing and hiking.
What makes them green? Laax chose renewable energy and produces 100% of its electricity through hydroelectric and solar power plants located at the top of the mountain.
This resort has the ambition to become worlds most sustainable ski resort. Among other initiatives, we like the monthly ski and clothes repairing, to promote reuse, and the e-car charging stations available throughout the resort.
Val d’Isère & Tignes
© Robert Bye - Unsplash
Since 2016, the Val d’Isère and Tignes ski resorts has become one of the most eco-friendly ski resorts in France.
Employee safety, nature protection and even controlled energy management, the various actions carried out over the years have enabled it to obtain the Green Globe Certification.
Located in the heart of the Alps, this ski area is one of the most beautiful and largest in Savoie with its 300 kilometres of slopes.
Whether you are skiing, freestyle, freeriding or hiking, enjoy a multitude of winter sports in an environment that respects the flora and fauna.
Zermatt – Switzerland
© Morgan Thompson - Unsplash
To ski in harmony with nature, pack your bags for Zermatt in Switzerland.
Here, the preservation of the forest and its inhabitants is at the heart of concerns. Ski trails have been developed outside the wildlife habitat area. They are perfectly marked, as well as the hiking trails.
An initiative of great importance, when you know that biodiversity and wildlife can be endangered by travelers skiing outside reserved tracks, as we mentioned in our article on ecofriendly skiing.
Black grouse, chamois, roe deer, ptarmigan and ibex live peacefully in one of the 6 protected areas. Winter hiking enthusiasts, you may have the chance to see endemic plant species during your escapades.
Les Gets, France
© Alan Turner - Unsplash
Certified Flocon Vert, this French family ski resort has been campaigning for sustainable tourism for many years.
To preserve its rich natural heritage, it carries out awareness-raising activities with its visitors.
It encourages soft mobility by offering alternatives such as shuttle services, electric vehicles and bicycles or mountain bikes in the summer.
Whether it is waste management, energy savings or noise reduction, hosting companies are also committed to the environment.
Werfernweng – Austria
© Werfenweng
Fancy having a carbon-neutral ski holiday?
Head for the Austrian Alps, in the charming resort of Werfenweng. About 45 kilometres from Salzburg, this large ski resort promotes sustainable travel by offering environmentally friendly means of transport.
A small paradise for paragliding enthusiasts, this ski area also satisfies families and snowboarders with its slopes accessible to all levels.
After a busy day, you will enjoy relaxing in one of the spacious Canadian-style wooden cottages with a panoramic view of the valley.
Chamrousse France
© Quenten Janssen - UnsplashChamrousse has become one of the six Flocon vert certified ski resorts in France since 2017. A certification led by the Mountain Riders NGO, and rewarding ski resorts sustainable travel initiatives on 21 criteria.
Chamrousse is a 3-level ski area about 30 kilometres from Grenoble. Located in the heart of the forest, it offers an exceptional panoramic view of Grenoble and its valley.
Committed to the environment, it implements many actions related to sustainable development to raise awareness among visitors of all generations. (waste collection, ski recycling, etc.).
Avoriaz, France
© Tanguy P - Unsplash
Completely pedestrian, Avoriaz was one of the first ski car free ski resorts in France.
Here, horse-drawn carriages replace taxis, for a magical and authentic stay with the family, punctuated by the ringing of bells.
Strolling through its snow-covered pedestrian streets with skis or snowshoes on your feet, you will be surprised by the original architecture of the accommodations, in perfect harmony with nature. Ski touring, cross-country skiing, snowcross or downhill skiing, there are many activities to attract all types of visitors.
Geilo, Norway
© Hakon Satoen - Unsplash
Located in the heart of Hallingskarvet National Park, Geilo promises you a rejuvenating stay in communion with nature.
This environmentally friendly resort is also locavor. Only local products on the menu in its cafés and restaurants, but also in its shops.
Enjoy the slopes with a superb view of the preserved nature of the national park. Or would you prefer a sleigh ride?
Kaprun, Austria
© Daniel Frank - Unsplash
Kaprun demonstrates its commitment to climate change by being 100% autonomous in terms of renewable energy.
The entire estate is supplied by the Glockner-Kaprun hydroelectric dam. Here, you can ski all year round on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, surrounded by high mountains.
Ruka, Finland
© Ruka
Located in northern Finland, the family resort of Ruka is one of the largest in the country.
In the heart of Lapland, it offers many activities in an enchanting setting, such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing or skating. You can admire the Northern Lights or the ice statues, a magical sight to see as soon as night falls.
Authentic sauna and cosy chalets, offer yourself a stay in harmony with nature in this carbon neutral resort. Environmentally friendly practices are at the heart of the resorts philosophy from lights on the slopes, to snow production and renewable energy in buildings and accommodations.
Inspired by any of these eco-friendly ski resorts ? Share your thoughts in the comments
HoliableHoliable is an eco-friendly travel planner helping you find sustainable hotels, green restaurants and ethical tourism activities around the world. Holiable was developed to share experiences, advice and reviews on sustainable travel, making it easier to prepare your next eco-friendly holiday.
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