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Sunset over a Les Gets Chalet

Understanding Ski Holiday CO2 Emissions

Climate challenges for ski resorts

Over the past years, climate change's effects have become increasingly obvious in winter holiday destinations. Les Gets, and most of the Alps' ski resorts are facing shorter winter seasons and continuously rising snow lines. A study by Eurac Research reveals a noticeable decrease in snow days across the Alps over the past 50 years, with declines ranging from 10% to 35%.

The environmental footprint

As ski communities strive to provide enjoyable holiday experiences despite climate change, the environmental impact of winter sports tourism is currently being examined. Critics point out that ski slopes, lifts, and other infrastructure take up large areas of land, which can destroy natural habitats. They also highlight that systems such as snow cannons use a lot of water and electricity, adding to the environmental concerns. Recently, many resorts are shifting toward renewable energy sources, such as solar power and hydroelectric power, to reduce their carbon footprint.

In Les Gets, many actions have been taken over the past few years at the village and ski area level, in winter and summer. And since 2000, a wood-fired heating system using re-claimed wood has heated 12 municipal buildings via a heating network over a kilometer long. You can find out more about what Les Gets is doing for the environment here.

CO2 emissions breakdown of ski holidays

Although skiing itself contributes minimally to CO2 emissions, other factors of a ski holiday contribute a substantial share. The CO2 emissions for a typical ski holiday in Les Gets can be broken down as follows:

  • Transportation: A staggering 57% of the carbon footprint from a ski day comes from travel to the resort. A car journey can produce up to 22 kg of CO2, but this figure decreases to around 5.5 kg per person when shared among four passengers. The most significant emissions arise from air travel, generating approximately 62 kg of CO2 even before hitting the slopes.
  • Service Sector: The services within a ski resort (e.g. bars, restaurants, shops, etc.) contribute 16% to the total emissions of a ski holiday.
  • Construction and Maintenance: The building and upkeep of ski facilities result in 6% of the total emissions.
  • Housing: Accommodations contribute 11% to the total emissions.
  • Waste Management: Waste generated during visits accounts for 8% of CO2 emissions.
  • Skiing Activities: Skiing operations contribute only 2% of the total emissions, including snow grooming and lift operations.
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Source: montagneverte.org

What's next?

Ski resorts increasingly recognise the importance of sustainable travel and encouraging guests to choose greener options. Many are implementing initiatives like carpooling incentives and electric vehicle charging stations, while also promoting discounts for travellers using public transport (find out more about The Alpin Express Pass here). Travelling by train can lead to discounts at local businesses, including ski rentals and lift passes. By altering how we travel to these beloved destinations, we can collectively contribute to a more sustainable winter holiday experience.

Les Gets remains a breathtaking location for winter sports, but it's crucial to acknowledge the environmental impact associated with travel and resort operations. By making conscious choices, such as opting for train travel or carpooling, we can help preserve the beauty of the Alps for future generations. Skiing should continue to be a source of joy, balanced with a commitment to sustainability.

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