How To Be a Greener Skier

We researched the environmental impact of the ski and snow industry and how its impact is leading to its own demise.

Skiing is a billion-dollar industry that rules the winter. It’s a fun activity that connects friends and families through fond memories of drinking hot cocoa, making it down your first run without falling, and of course the classic after-ski festivities. While these are all fun bonding activities, the sad truth is too many not-so-fun activities are occurring at resorts globally.

Huge carbon footprints, excessive energy and water consumption, and even chemical changes in soil are all things happening at ski resorts globally. What can be done though? We’ve compiled an extensive list of ways you can continue to get out and enjoy your favorite winter sport but leave a greener trail on the slopes.

Running a ski resort is no easy feat. There are numerous activities happening behind the scenes and even right in front of you to ensure snow enthusiasts can make the most of their adventures. For example, lifties are running the lifts to make sure everyone gets to the top safely to shred their favorite slope, and through the night, snow cannons are hard at work ensuring there’s enough snow, and piste groomers are making some awesome corduroy from that “fresh” snow.

Although these are all essential elements of maintaining and running a ski resort, these activities and more are leaving a devastating impact on the environment that will make it harder to take part in snow sports in the future.

Snow Cannons and Water Consumption

In 2022, the Winter Olympics broke headlines in more ways than one. However, the most groundbreaking headline was the negative environmental impact. Just outside of Bejing in the extremely arid region of Zhangjiakou, Olympic officials faced issues due to a complete lack of snowfall.

To combat this issue, Chinese officials recruited a staggering number of snow cannons (300) and generators (100) to produce 100% of the Olympic Games’ snow. This is the first time in Olympic history that all snow was artificially produced, and it’s not an easy feat making that much snow either.

According to the snow machine company China used, TechnoAlpin, around one million cubic meters of water (approximately 400 Olympic-sized swimming pools or a day’s worth of water for 900 million people) of water would be used in creating the artificial snow. However, this issue does not apply just to the 2022 Winter Olympics.

With the continuing rise of global temperatures, ski resorts worldwide are struggling to have enough snow for the season. To compensate for this, more and more resorts globally have to rely on snow cannons to start the season on time and even stretch it.

According to recent studies, around 95% of ski resorts globally use snowmakers in one way or another. This; however, is an issue that is more particular to low-altitude ski resorts as these resorts face warmer temperatures than higher-altitude resorts. As a result, low-area resorts in countries such as the US and Canada have seen a significant increase in ski resort closures. Between 1969 and 2019,  59% of ski resorts in North America closed.

Not all cases were due to climate change; however, over the years, there has been an increase in resorts across the world that have had to delay opening or have begun to shut down. Although the use of snow cannons has allowed some resorts to keep running, the costs outweigh the benefits significantly.

Artificial snow production is a concept ski resorts have been using since the ’70s. However, with winter being, on average, a month shorter than the last 30 years and with warming temperatures, more and more snow is needed to be produced to keep up with skiers’ demands.

Bigger resorts can keep up with the demand,  but multiple snow cannons are needed to fill pistes, and this can be difficult as snowmaking can pull as much as 4,200 gallons of water per minute.  This not only poses a strain on nearby water sources but also a lot of energy is needed to convert that water into snow.

Italian studies(report in Italien) have shown that to produce enough snow for a full alpine area (23,800 hectares), around 600 gigawatts of energy is needed to convert water into snow. To put this into perspective, this equates to powering 600 million LED lights. This type of big energy consumption is not only cost inefficient but feels almost negligent given the current clean energy crisis the world is facing. However, the amount of energy consumed by resorts continues to grow in other ways.

Ski Lifts Power Consumption

Across resorts, energy is consumed in various ways. Resorts predominately use energy to heat their hotels, for lighting, snowmaking, and of course, to run ski lifts. How much energy is being used exactly, though? According to TreeHugger, running a single ski lift for a month is equivalent to running 3.8 households for a year.

This may not seem like a lot, but if the length of the ski season is considered, one lift could power 19 households. If someone wanted to dive a little deeper, consider the average amount of lifts for the five largest ski resorts (115.4). This total number equates to 438.52 households’ energy consumption per year in just one month.

Although these numbers are sobering, still another area of snow sports is causing an even greater carbon footprint.

Carbon Footprint Giants

As global warming continues to rise, chasing powder is becoming increasingly difficult. Snow lovers are being forced to venture further and further to find the perfect conditions to engage in their sports. As a result, skiers are beginning to produce a higher carbon footprint and are averaging around 74kg CO2e per trip.

This is due to a rising number of people using transportation such as planes and cars to travel to their destinations. According to studies, when you consider the amount of carbon emissions a ski resort produces, 73% of these emissions are from skiers and snowboarders just traveling to the resort.

While only 2% of carbon emissions come from lift services and piste maintenance, it begins to add up when considering how much maintenance is required to keep pistes pristine.

Piste bashing or snow grooming is essential to keeping ski resorts running. Nightly grooming ensures skiers and snowboarders have the best quality snow to shred by preventing ice formation and redistributing snow. This nightly routine is quite carbon intensive though, because on average, piste groomers use around 5 gallons of diesel per hour.

When distributing that over an 8-hour work night where several piste groomers are used at a time, the amount of CO2 emitted begins to rack up. It’s hard to say the average number of groomers a resort uses, but one can assume multiple groomers are being used at a time to ensure the snow is ready for the next day. The carbon output isn’t the only environmentally detrimental part of snow groomers though.

Piste Groomers’ Heavy Impact

Not only are snow groomers large machines that release large amounts of carbon dioxide, they also leave a large impact on the Earth’s soil.  As snow groomers make their nightly rounds across slopes, they exert a ground pressure of about 1700 kg/m2. This amount of pressure on the ground leads to soil compaction and overall degradation which can have some serious effects.

For example, studies show that areas that have been groomed repeatedly and use artificial snow significantly are prone to erosion and runoff  leading to biodiversity loss and contaminating drinking water.

What Can Be Done?

With the threat of snow sports disappearing, skiers and resorts worldwide are taking greener initiatives to ensure this beloved hobby stays around for a little longer. Here’s how!

What Are Ski Resorts Doing?

Greener Policies:

Next time you start planning your annual (or even your first) ski trip, one thing to keep in mind is the resort you decide to go to.

Globally, ski resorts are putting numerous green initiatives in place in a race to preserve a rapidly declining industry. For instance:

• Vail Ski Resorts in Colorado, USA, has adopted the Epic Promise initiative to become completely carbon neutral and have zero waste in landfills by 2030. The resort is also working to achieve these goals by investing in 100% renewable energy resources, putting a greater emphasis on recycling and composting, and working with the Norwegian sports company, Helly Hansen, to repurpose and reuse old uniforms.

• Alta Resort in Alta, Utah, USA, supports land conservation and has planted over 40,000 trees since 1991 and restored 3,400 ft² of wetlands. The resort’s environmental center also works to reduce carbon emissions through solar panel usage and composting food waste.

• Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico, USA, is the first ski resort in the world to be listed as a B Corp-certified company. In other words, Toas has not only been a trailblazing force in environmental sustainability (i.e committing to being carbon neutral by 2030, endorsing and implementing the Sustainable Slopes Program, and endorsing the Skier Sustainability Code), but also in being socially responsible (e.g. using locally sourced goods, donating to charities that support local education and community programs, and supporting diversity and inclusion).

• Avoriaz located in Morzine France is the first ski resort in Europe that is entirely vehicle-free. The resort focuses on protecting and preserving the environment around it and reducing power consumption by using more energy-efficient equipment.

• Pyhä Ski Resort in Pyhätunturi, Finland, is currently on a mission to be the cleanest ski resort in the world. To do this, Pyhä has committed to the EU’s Energy Efficiency Agreement, is a main partner for Protect Our Winters, and has been a carbon-neutral resort since 2011.

• Aspen Snowmass in Colorado, USA, is a ski area that has been advocating for renewable energy through a 15-year campaign. Aspen has partnered with its utility company, Holy Cross Energy, to convert from coal to 100% renewable energy by 2030. Aspen is on the road to completing this by having recently invested $6 million dollars in developing a plant that converts methane into carbon-negative electricity. This project to date has prevented the emission of 250 billion cubic feet of methane annually into the atmosphere.

• Other ski resorts, such as Arizona Snowbowl and Big Sky, have taken an interesting approach to water conservation. In 2012, Snowbowl became the first ski resort to use treated wastewater in creating 100% of its snow. Big Sky in Montana, USA, currently uses treated wastewater for its golf courses, but it’s currently working on getting permits to use treated water for its slopes in an effort to conserve more water.

Energy and Water-Efficient Snow Cannons: 

With the rise of global warming, creating snow is an inevitable factor for most ski resorts. However, as it stands, creating snow is both energy and water intensive. Thus creating a standard for employing energy and water-efficient snow cannons.

For example, SnowRESolution, an EU-funded program, has been working to create a new snow cannon that can be powered by renewable energy sources (RES) and produce snow in above-freezing temperatures. Specifically, these cannons would be powered by solar panels or a biomass steam boiler.

Newer models of snow machines are also being developed to keep water usage in mind. For example, Boreal Mountain in Truckee, California, has invested in snow cannons that use only 12 gallons of water per minute. Not only are machines using less water, but ski resorts are also opting to use recycled water to run their cannons. For example, a water company in Denver, Colorado called Denver Water, works with several local ski resorts by providing water from their reservoirs to create snow. When the snow melts, it’s returned to the reservoirs and reused in households.

Hydrogen-Powered Piste Groomers: 

Piste bashing or snow grooming is another carbon-intensive process that ski resorts rely on. However, ski resorts are being introduced to the choice of being carbon neutral through their snow groomers.

According to the Domaines Skiables de France, diesel snow groomers make up 94% of French ski resorts’ carbon emissions. To combat this, French resorts have committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2037, and part of that plan includes introducing hydrogen-powered snow groomers to all ski resorts.

Electric-powered snow groomers are another option for ski resorts looking to be carbon-neutral.

Renewable Energy Sources:

Renewable energy has also become increasingly important as ski resorts work to cut carbon emissions. Here’s how ski resorts globally are using renewable energy.

• Wolf Creek Ski Area, located in Colorado, USA, became the first ski resort in the country to run 100% on solar power. Before going solar, Wolf Creek purchased only wind energy to run 100% of its winter and summer operations. The ski area has managed to run on 100% renewable energy (except in 2017 when it ran on 95.5% renewable energy) since 2006.

• Whistler Blackcomb, located in British Columbia, Canada, has adopted a micro hydro project called the Fitzsimmons Run of River Project. Using the Fitzsimmons River flowing under its PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Whistler Blackcomb can produce enough electricity to be used for a year. Whistler Blackcomb also has a small turbine that runs power to the lift hut and bathrooms at the bottom of Symphony lift.

Serre Chevalier, located in France, has adopted several forms of renewable energy in an attempt to generate 30% of its electricity by 2023. With this Serre Chevalier has adopted solar power, wind power, and hydropower throughout its resort. As a result of its renewable energy initiatives, Serre Chevalier was awarded the Energy Efficiency Prize by the EU.

What Can Snow Enthusiasts Do?

Renting Equipment:

We know the thrill of going on your first ski trip can make you go on a spending spree to ensure you’re ready to brave the cold and wet. However, when traveling to big mountain ski resorts,  renting equipment is a much more viable option in terms of costs and environmental friendliness.

If you’re the type of person that will only ski every so often or it’s your first time, renting is the way to go. With renting skis, you don’t have to worry about hauling equipment around, maintenance costs, or the possibility of your equipment just rotting away in storage. Renting skis is also fairly affordable, averaging around $25-45 per day in the US or €20-30 per day in Europe.

If you’re thinking of purchasing clothing, reconsider. Did you know every year the clothing industry releases over 1.2 billion tons of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere? That’s more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined!

Kitlender is a company that allows you to rent a snow kit for your next winter adventure. All kits include pants, jackets, gloves, and goggles. Kitlender offers quality gear from name brands such as Patagonia, The North Face, Helly Hansen, and many more.

Kitlender offers free shipping and will even ship your gear straight to the resort so you don’t have to worry about carrying bulky clothing. When your trip is finished, returning the gear is hassle-free as Kitlender gives you pre-addressed packaging, so you can just leave it at your selected resorts front desk.

If you’re an avid snow sports lover looking to buy quality equipment, don’t worry! We have several suggestions.

Sustainable brands:

When buying equipment, everyone wants quality gear that will stand the test of time and work great under pressure. Here are a few companies you should consider when buying your gear.

• Patagonia is a leading giant in the fight to be a greener world. Patagonia has numerous eco-friendly initiatives such as 1% for the Planet, Responsible Wool Standard, and Regenerative Organic Certified™ Programs. It doesn’t stop there, though. 94% of Patagonia’s products use recycled materials, and they even offer a Worn Wear program where consumers can sell their gear back to Patagonia so it can be recycled and resold to someone else. Patagonia also offers an Iron Clad Guarantee on all their products, so you’ll have a lifetime guarantee for replacements and/or repairs.

• Salomon is a French outdoor company that is making big moves in the fight for sustainability. In 2018 along with sister companies Arc’teryx and Peak Performance, Salomon adopted the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action and has been actively working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Salomon has also placed a bigger emphasis on recycling and has switched the material in skis to bamboo, so they are completely recyclable. The company also resells equipment and encourages consumers to send their gear for repair to ensure longevity.

Mervin Manufacturing based out of Sequim, Washington, USA, has been a power player in developing skis, snowboards, skateboards, and even surfboards since the 1970s. Mervin prides itself on creating products using materials that are good for the environment but also good for its workers. When producing their products, no hazardous waste is left behind, and any material left over can be recycled. For example, all of its sawdust is composted and converted to soil as they don’t use any toxic glues or resins in their boards. All plastics are vegetable oil based and finally, for printing, Mervin Manufacturing uses a water-based sublimation system so any scraps can be recycled. The recycling doesn’t stop at their factory, though. At corporate headquarters stands a living roof that collects rainwater that the company uses for heating and cooling the building and filling toilets.

Transportation: 

When it comes to a ski resort’s overall carbon footprint, visitors make up 73% of the resort’s total emissions. This number; however, can be reduced if visitors use more environmentally friendly modes of transportation instead of flying.

Taking the train is one good example of eco-friendly travel. For example, a skier traveling by train could take a ski trip every year for nine years before they would produce the same carbon footprint as someone flying to a resort just once. Not only do you cut down on carbon emissions, but you may also have the chance to cut down on costs using incentives offered by ski resorts.

For example, the French ski resort, Morzine, has begun an initiative called the AlpinExpress Pass, which rewards snow enthusiasts with numerous discounts for taking the train to the resort. These discounts include skiing and snowboarding lessons, accommodation discounts, food and beverage discounts, and transfers to and from the resort.

Carpooling is another way resort visitors can reduce their overall carbon footprint. Not only does carpooling reduce the amount of traffic you’ll hit going to your favorite resort, but it also reduces gas usage and can halve your overall emissions.

Ski resorts are also becoming huge advocates for visitors to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, resorts across Europe are becoming car-free and encouraging visitors to use trains or busses to reach their resorts. Resorts that aren’t car-free have begun installing e-chargers as more and more travelers opt to use electric vehicles.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, as global warming continues to rise, powdery days will continue to lessen. This turns into a vicious cycle as we continue to use extensive amounts of energy and water to produce the snow, which snow lovers so desperately search for.

This issue is not something that can be remedied just by environmentalists and snow lovers making small changes in their lives.  This is an issue that requires all ski resorts to make a change, and that won’t happen unless we snow enthusiasts push them to take action. Be it through supporting organizations such as POW, which actively work to fight climate change with big corporations and resorts, petitioning your local office for greener initiatives, or by supporting only the resorts taking greener initiatives. Pressure needs to be put on them to be better because if they don’t, nothing will ever be enough, and skiing and snowboarding will soon be a thing of the past.