To celebrate World Forest Day 2023 on the 21st March, we are taking a look at the role that skiing has in climate change and how resorts, travel agents and skiers are changing. In a world where climate change is now a critical issue, it is important to realise the impact global warming is having on ski resorts across the world.

Alpine ski resorts in Europe have experienced an average temperature increase of 1.2 degrees Celsius over the last 30 years. This might not seem like much but the impact on the ski industry is huge. Ski seasons are shortening, snowfall is becoming less predictable, and resorts are increasingly reliant on artificial snowmaking to conditions.

However, resorts are working hard to adapt to these conditions, with over 55 resorts across the world solely powered by green energy, ensuring that your ski tour will still be thrilling and eventful. As a ski tour company, we truly understand the importance of addressing climate change and aim to promote sustainable tourism including environmentally friendly transportation, recycling and waste reduction. World Forest Day 2023 provides a perfect opportunity to take stock and see what more needs to be done in our industry to continue making real change.

One major way in which resorts are aiming to address the current issues is by reducing their own emissions and investing in renewable energy. Many resorts have put in place long term sustainability goals that reduce emissions and protect natural resources. In the rocky mountains, the Big Sky resort is aiming for net zero emissions by 2030 through the use of solar energy and reducing water usage. Other examples include the Anzere ski resort in Switzerland which is using a wood pellet plant to heat 600 apartments and 2 hotels and helps save the village 1.5 million litres of oil a year.

A key part of many resorts’ push for a greener skiing environment is promoting sustainable travel. More and more resorts are becoming car free and utilising free public transport, as well electric shuttles and bikes, to inspire visitors to help reduce emissions. Around 72% of visitors fly to ski resorts, while just 2% get the train. Tourists and skiers can play a huge part in helping resorts stay sustainable through their travel.

In North America, around 70 ski resorts have come together to pursue renewable energy sources as well as reduce energy use and waste. Progress has already been made with many resorts using 100% green energy for a number of years, including Seefeld in Austria and La Plagne in France, both of which are inspireski tour destinations. Additionally, the Compagnie des Alpes, which operates numerous resorts in France, including Serre Chevalier, is switching all grooming machines to oil that is produced from waste. This has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%, majorly benefitting the environment. General environmental measures are also being enforced across resorts, such as water conservation to allow snow making machines to operate at full capacity, ensuring trip members can have maximum time on the slopes.

On top of this, investment and time is being spent on creating active ways in which slopes can be maintained. Enhancing snowfalls through cloud seeding, which turns water droplets into snow can increase snowfall by up to 15%. Artificial cloud creation may also become common, with ice particles being injected into wooden structures wrapped in membranes that bind water droplets creating up to 1,000 cubic feet of snowflakes a day.

Resorts are also partnering with climate change organisations to help mitigate the impact skiing has on the environment. These organisations can help share resources, leading to better environmental practises. For example, the European Outdoor Group has created a sustainability charter which includes environmental standards, correct practises, and annual reports on progress.

Whilst resorts are making progress in their fight against climate change, it’s also important to remember that as a travel company, we must do what we can too.

inspireski x Trees4Travel

At inspireski, we have partnered with Trees4Travel, an award-winning tech company and leader in sustainable travel who calculate the carbon emissions of each trip and off-set this by planting trees in developing countries.

Our partnership is vitally important to us and a brilliant way to mark World Forest Day 2023.

This partnership recognises that planting trees helps to restore ecosystems, biodiversity & support local communities through the dignity of employment – together building a more sustainable & equitable world. It not only allows us to make our trips more climate positive, but will allow us to go one step further, as each tree planted is partnered with a share of an investment into a United Nations renewable energy project.

This is just one example of how inspireski are making small changes to the way we operate your trip, you can find out more about the positive changes we’re taking on our website.

All the examples mentioned above show that, even in the current climate crisis, resorts and operators are fighting to ensure that slopes are in the best possible condition for your trip, leaving you to enjoy more ski time and create memories for your students.