Eco skiing: How do you ski sustainably?

Skiers Alice Linari and Lorenzo Alesi went on the most eco-friendly ski trip possible. Here are their biggest takeaways.

Lorenzo Alesi and Alice Linari are no strangers to the snow-capped mountains and glaciers of Europe. But these seasoned skiers and explorers put their passion to the test by traveling and skiing sustainably across half of Italy.

Their trip started at the southernmost glacier in Europe to the continent’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc. This journey is the subject of their new documentary, Melting Point, directed by Paolo Prosperi.

So how did they ski sustainably across Italy? Read their eco skiing tips below.

For longer journeys between countries or within a country, take a train ride. They’re a more sustainable way to travel (and you won’t need to pay extra for all your ski baggage!).

There are several car rental apps or car rental companies that offer electric cars.

(Electric motorbikes are a sustainable way to travel between mountains.)

When traveling between neighboring ski villages or between the slopes, an electric bike or motorbike can be a great option.

If the country you are skiing in has car-sharing or carpooling apps, that can be a great way to reduce the amount of CO2 emission on your journey.

(Ski touring is a more sustainable choice than using ski lifts.)

Ski lifts use electric motors as usual a diesel back-up engine. If the source of electricity is not sustainable, go ski touring instead. It’s also the best way to really connect with nature.

Reduce long-haul travel by air but, if necessary, offset your journey. You can compensate for the CO2 through donations to associations active in environmental projects.

Buying food and drinks out always involves a lot of packaging. Bring your own food with you and carry them in reusable boxes and bottles to avoid single-use plastics.

Buying locally sourced products that are in season is a great way to support local communities, and to avoid all the environmental harm caused by shipping products across the world.

(Solar panels cover the lift stations at Flims Laax ski resort, Switzerland. Photo credit: © LAAX| Philipp Ruggli)

Ski resorts that are dedicated to sustainability are usually powered with renewable energies and offer charging stations for electric cars.

Some ski-friendly resorts recommended by Alice and Lorenzo:

• Gstaad, Switzerland
• Arosa Lenzerheide, Switzerland
• Flimsz Laax Falera, Switzerland
• San Martino di Castrozza, Italy
• Carezza, Italy

(Photo credit: Lorenzo Alesi)

Depending on where you live, there can be some spectacular sights to see right in your backyard. Sometimes you don’t need to travel far for a great day of skiing.

Sunscreen is vital when on the sunny slopes, but they contain chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate that are damaging for aquatic life. This has gained more awareness in recent years, and there are lots of companies trying to make more sustainable products.

Find hotels that have dedicated themselves to sustainable practices.

Ski and snowboard waxes, for example, can take over 100,000 years to degrade. That’s a super long time. But certain plant-based waxes work equally well and won’t take a millennium to break down in nature.

Certain waterproof materials are also made from chemicals that are bad for the planet. Look for PCF-free materials to ensure that they are sustainable.

If you’re interested in supporting a local organization doing work on the ground, Alice Linari recommends Protect Our Winters. It’s an organization that is active in several countries in Europe to raise awareness of the effects of climate change and protect the environment.

What was the hardest thing about eco skiing across Italy?

Alice: We had to rethink mobility. For local explorations within 100 km we used electric motorbikes, trying to manage energy in the best possible way.

To reach the most distant places we opted for van sharing solutions, travelling with other people driving to the same areas.

Thinking of creative solutions for slower and shared mobility while saving energy was challenging, as it requires good time management and organization.

But knowing that we could cut CO2 emissions and share our message with others was really a big motivation.

Making the documentary, did you find out something that shocked you?

Alice: The retreat and melting of the glaciers is astounding. We shot the film last winter, between December and March. Last winter was very snowy so we found ideal conditions to capture the beauty of these places.

We went back to those locations in spring and summer this year, and the scenario unfortunately confirmed that snowy winters are not enough to protect the glaciers and ice.

Also, in other areas such as the Sibillini Mountains, the water crisis is serious despite heavy rainfall. So, nature needs our help and immediate action to fight climate change.

Interested in learning more about the making of this documentary? Read the full Q&A.

Alice and Lorenzo’s challenge: Now that you have the tips, try to go for a fully sustainable ski trip yourself at least once this winter season!