How Green Is It… To Go Skiing?
by January 10, 2022 8:26 am 5,005 views0
Although just a part of the joy of skiing, the beauty of the mountains and the restorative power of the outdoors is a major part of that joy.
But are we slowly loving it to death?
The ski industry has a huge carbon footprint, despite being very sensitive to climate change. It also impacts wildlife, deforestation, alpine vegetation, water use, and fossil fuel consumption (one ski lift for a month is equal to the energy of 4 households for an entire year).
Snow-making is now such an ordinary sight that we don’t even question it, and actually brings a false sense of complacency. Gazing upon a mountain vista in all its sparkly glory can let the climate change worries melt away when really much of that is frozen, treated wastewater or worse, pulled from the nearest freshwater source.
Modern snow cannons can use up to 100 gallons of water a minute for each gun (most resorts have dozens, at least) and use an enormous amount of energy (hence the ridiculous price of your ski pass).
And it’s not just the negative environmental effects of the ski resort itself. Arguably the biggest impact is the people, most who have flown from afar to get there. (Flying has been labeled your #1 environmental sin.)
But… with technology, and an army of environmental ski fanatics on their side, ski resorts are making real green progress.
Energy efficiency at all levels of the industry is making huge strides, and many resorts have improved their recycling and composting programs, green building, and sustainable forest management.
So… How Green Is It To Go Skiing?
Not-So-Green*
Best Green Solution: If you enjoy skiing, then be part of the solution. Check out Save Our Snow for the greenest ski resort near you, and support resorts that are working hard to protect the very thing we’re all there for.
Don’t Be Tempted: Don’t be a passive participant. If you love skiing, or any winter sport, it is to your direct benefit to care about the environmental impact of these resorts.
* I don’t normally do this, but this Investigation uncovered so many positive and new sustainable actions by ski resorts and ski-products companies that I promise to revisit it soon. For now, if you can reduce your own impact, I’d say you’re on your way to making skiing Sort-of-Green.
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