5 environmentally-friendly ski resorts

As a skier or snowboarder you probably love nothing more than hitting the slopes, enjoying the great snow and having a moment to contemplate the magnificence of the mountains. Unfortunately, the current climate crisis puts the possibility to keep enjoying nature as we know it at risk. Already, we have experienced some devastating changes in the mountains, with animal species in danger of extinction and ski resorts having to close because of the low snowfall. 

On the other hand, many ski resorts are taking action towards the preservation of the climate and are taking steps to provide an eco-friendly ski holiday for their guests. 

Saas-Fee, Switzerland 

At Saas-Fee, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes away from Geneva Airport.

The incredible feeling of inhaling fresh air when you arrive at the highest point of the piste makes you connect immediately with nature, especially when your ski holiday is a runaway from the hectic city life. Your whole body relaxes and you are ready to descend the slopes. 

To be sure that you take only the freshest breaths of air in the Alps, and to provide skiers with a sustainable ski holiday, Saas-Fee has been car-free since 1951. Not allowing cars in the resort, Saas-Fee reduces its environmental impact and its carbon footprint, taking steps to help to protect the Alps and improve the quality of life. 

Therefore, the Swiss resort is working to be a pioneer in ecological alpine tourism and is developing procedures to be carbon-free. Its efforts in sustainability have seen Saas-Fee win the title of “Energy Town”, because of the introduction of clear quality standards in traffic and energy policies. No other ski resort in Switzerland can show off its use of natural energy so consistently, as it obtains 100% of their electricity by renewable Valaisian hydroelectric power.

Pejo 300, Italy

At Peio, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes away from Verona Airport.

Most plastics take an average of 1000 years to decompose completely. So if you consume a single-use plastic bottle today, it will still exist when your great-great-grandchildren go to college, along with all the plastic their previous generations have used. And yes, that can be a lot of rubbish. This crazy fact has shocked many people who have decided to stop reducing their plastic waste or even wholly stop consuming plastic at all and have a zero-waste lifestyle to reduce their impact on the environment. 

Aware of the impact the plastic has on the climate crisis and following the need to take steps to preserve our mountains, Pejo 3000 has become the first ski resort in Europe to ban plastics. The Italian resort has forbidden disposable straws, bottles, cutlery, glasses, packets of ketchup and mayonnaise and any other single-use plastic items. The new zero-waste action will reduce the disposal of plastic into the mountains and will help to preserve the local nature so all skiers can enjoy the Stelvio National Park for longer. 

Even if Pejo 3000 took the initiative, having a plastic-free ski holiday can be a personal ambition of any skier, besides the polyethene in your skis of course. If you are wondering where to start, we recommend you take a look at Laura Singer’s blog post – most of the things are free! http://trashisfortossers.com/zero-waste-travel-ki/

Avoriaz, France

At Avoriaz, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Geneva Airport.

Designed to be a green ski resort, since the beginning Avoriaz has been zero-car, fuel monitored to avoid energy waste and has planned sustainable accommodation. These procedures have made them win the Green Key accreditation, the top international certification for eco-friendly tourist accommodation.

The resort has done great work building environmentally-friendly construction and developing a dual-energy network. Also, the French resort has two environmentally responsible snowparks and train their drivers to do their tasks in the most eco-friendly way. Lately, they’ve renewed their snow canyons to introduce modern machines which consume three times less energy, and they try to avoid using them so the skiers can enjoy the natural fresh snow.

Aspen, USA

At Aspen, approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes away from Denver Airport.

The world-famous ski resort Aspen has been a pioneer in sustainable skiing, applying eco-friendly procedures since 1997. Their goal to eradicate emissions has led them to be one of the first cities in the USA to be powered by renewable energy and become seven-times winners of the Golden Eagle Award for Overall Environmental Excellence.

Besides, they don’t only advocate for green power and develop energy-efficient methods; they also take on the best eco practices in the resort. They purchase local food and beverages to reduce their impact, they are home for the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (where they inform visitors of the local environment), and they take part in many local activities to protect the climate. 

Söll, Austria

At Soll, approximately 1 hour away from Innsbruck Airport.

One of the energy challenges that the ski resorts have to face is heating. To keep all the skiers and snowboarders warm, the ski resorts have to make significant investments in energy which directly affects the climate crisis. However, Söll is renowned for its green heating initiative. Rather than using gas or coal, they burn wood chips to make fuel to heat the entire bottom lift station, an excellent alternative to keep everybody warm and reduce the environmental impact. 

Also, the Austrian ski resort uses eco-friendly snow cannons and has a stable system for sorting waste. 

Lastly, the future of the mountains is everyone’s responsibility, and all of us can make a change in our daily life.

Travel to the EU after Brexit: how it would affect my ski holidays?

Since the 31st of January 2020, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union. The new political relationship brings new arrangements for travelling across borders and with it new questions about how everything will work from now on.

Even if we’ve been reading news about the new political situation for the last few years, some people still have questions about what’s happening after Brexit. So far, British tourists in the EU haven’t experienced any important changes to their holiday, such as needing a visa to visit a European country or paying extra charges, as the travelling conditions will remain the same until the end of the current transition period. 

But, what does the transition period involve?

The 31st of January 2020 started the transition period. This means that the UK is no longer part of the European Union, but many agreements decided before this stage will still be effective, especially the ones related to travellers. The transition period will be over by the 1st January of 2021, bringing new rules and agreements that haven’t yet been defined.

Will I need a visa to travel to the EU?

With the UK and the European Union having a new set-up for the borders, the first question that comes to the mind of a British tourist is: will I need a visa to travel to Europe? During the transition period, British citizens won’t need to get a visa if they’re going to stay as a tourist for up to 90 days in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Therefore, after the transition period, British citizens will become “third-country nationals” and it’s likely that they will have to pay for a ‘visa-exempt travel’ if they’re travelling in 2021. Also, the European Union will implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (Etias) by 2022, a specific programme for non-EU citizens that would like to travel in Europe, including British citizens. The application for Etias will cost 7 Euros.

What will I need to travel after Brexit?

After the transition period, at border control, British citizens may need to show their return ticket and prove that they have enough money for their stay. Also, once at border control, British citizens will have to queue in different lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. Besides that, when travelling between the UK and the EU, you’ll need to declare cash of £10,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency).

Do I need a new passport?

After the transition period, you’ll need to renew your British passport if the expiration date is shorter than 6 months or if it is more than 10 years old. If you are travelling after the 1st of January 2021 and you need a new passport to meet this requirement, keep in mind that renewing your passport usually takes 3 weeks. 

How long can I stay in the EU?

British citizens will be able to stay as a tourist for up to 90 days in any 180 days in an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. 

Can I drive in the EU with my British driving license?

Driving in Europe will be the same for citizens with a British driving license until 2021. After the transition period, citizens with a British driving license may need to purchase an International Driving Permit (IDP) 1968 or 1949, it will depend on which country they are going to and how long are they staying. Therefore, it’s recommended to check the regulation of the country you’re visiting for your holiday.

If you’re travelling in the EU with your car, you might also need a ‘green card’ or valid proof of insurance and a GB sticker.

Of course, there are other issues with driving to ski resorts yourself and this is where a quality ski transfer operator can come in handy. 

How will Brexit affect travel insurance?

Until the end of the year, citizens with the European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) are entitled to have healthcare in any EEA member state as well as Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein and Switzerland. 

Therefore, the Ehic is not a substitute for travel insurance and it’s recommended to always have travel insurance that covers your healthcare and pre-existing medical condition.

What will happen to roaming charges after Brexit?

The guarantee of free-roaming for British mobile in EU countries will disappear after the 1st of January 2021. We recommend you check the new terms with your phone operator to avoid any ghastly bills from getting that perfect photo for the ‘Gram. However, a new law protects you from getting phone charges over £45 without you knowing.

Travel after Brexit Checklist

1. Check passport is valid for the next 6 months.
2. Get travel insurance that covers healthcare and pre-existing medical conditions.
3. Check roaming conditions with phone operator.
4. Decide whether to learn the driving regulations of the country or to get airport transfers.

We hope this information has been useful and we’ve solved your questions about travelling after Brexit. In case you need more details, you can find more advice here: https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-1-january-2021

If you are going on a ski holiday after the 1st of January 2021, we recommend visiting gov.uk to check the latest news about Brexit.