Planning A Carbon-Free Ski Trip in Utah

This is why it’s so important to continue to focus on sustainability and protecting our outdoor playgrounds that are vulnerable to climate change. If you want your ski trip to leave nothing but footprints in the snow, here’s a guide for minimizing carbon emissions and maximizing enjoyment.

1. Getting There and Getting Around — Transportation Counts Most

For many out of town visitors, flying to Utah may be the only option, and driving long distances, or taking inefficient vehicles often make up the bulk of a ski trip’s carbon footprint. The good news is that there are ways to reduce that impact.

• Choose lodging that minimizes drive time (this is for the out-of-towners)
  Stay somewhere close to the slopes or near transit lines. The less you have to drive or shuttle each day, the less carbon you burn. This lodging search has all the ski-in/ski-out properties across the state, making it easy to compare, rates, locations, and amenities to book your ideal stay.
• Use public transit + ski buses
  Utah Transit Authority (UTA) operates ski bus service to all four Cottonwood resorts (Alta Ski Area, Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude Mountain Resort), plus to Powder Mountain, Snowbasin Resort and Sundance Mountain Resort. 

Pro Tip: Ski Bus service is included with a resort season pass, Visit Salt Lake Super Pass and 2025–26 Ikon Pass. Fewer cars in the canyons means less congestion, less traffic, and fewer emissions. Get a deeper dive on how to ride the UTA Ski Bus here.

• Park & Ride + Carpool
  If you’re like me (with young kids, all the gear to keep said children comfortable, and must have flexibility when it comes to transportation for the day), try parking outside the resorts or congested areas and using ride-shares or shuttles for the last leg. Many canyon roads have park-and-ride lots that fill early, so plan ahead. More information on park-and-ride lots and where they are here.
• Go electric or hybrid if you must drive
  If driving is your only option, opt for an EV/hybrid vehicle if you can. There are plenty of EV/hybrid vehicle options at rental car companies, especially coming from the airport. Be sure to book ahead, check the charging requirements, and plan for charging stations along your route. Many resorts have EV charging stations. A list of those can be found here.

2. Lodging & Stay Sustainable

Where you stay can make a big difference. Here are ways to pick eco-friendly lodging and reduce emissions while you’re there:

• Select eco-certified or green lodging
  In Park City, there are lodging providers like Park City Lodging, Inc that have won “Green Business Leadership Awards” for efforts like energy efficiency, solar panels, water conservation, and recycling. A little research can go a long way here, so no matter where you decided to book, check if the place has a sustainability policy or uses renewable energy, low-flow fixtures, efficient heating and insulation, etc.
• Minimize energy usage at your lodging
  As a mom, sometimes I feel like all I do is walk around and turn off lights in the house. But this simple move along with lowering the heat when you’re gone, and reusing towels and linens while during your stay all helps. Most lodging properties now have signs and placards that encourage guests to follow these steps, especially reusing towels and indicating when housekeeping is not needed.

3. Gear and What You Bring

• Prioritize durable, repairable gear
  If you are a skiing or snowboarding enthusiast who’s a regular on the slopes, buying gear that lasts and can be repaired (skis, snowboards, bindings, gloves, clothing, etc.) reduces waste. If your gear breaks, opt to repair instead of replacing whenever possible. Depending on frequency and intensity of use, and how well you maintain them, skis and snowboards can last for several years. Same goes for your outerwear, gloves, and other accessories.

• Borrow, rent, or buy used
  I’ll be the first to tell you I’m a huge fan of a good deal! I’ve purchased skis, clothing, mountain bikes and more from friends. They’re looking to downsize, and I get a great discount – win-win! If you don’t ski or snowboard often, renting, borrowing, or buying used is a great, sustainable option. (Less embodied energy than new gear.)
• Pack smart to reduce baggage weight
  This applies to flying or driving. The lighter your travel load, the less fuel used. Minimize what you take by packing multi-use layers and avoid bringing duplicate items.

Pro Tip: This can also save you some serious cash with additional airline baggage fees if your luggage is too heavy. Been there. Not fun.

Why It All Matters

Climate change threatens the very foundation of Utah’s winter experience, putting the quality of snow and the reliability of ski seasons at risk. Fewer emissions now directly translate into better chances for long, consistent winters in the future – something we all want. Protecting the natural ecosystems that make Utah so unique is also essential for the communities that rely on the snow industry for economic stability. And beyond the environmental and economic impacts, making more sustainable choices can actually enrich your time in the mountains, embracing slower travel, connecting with local communities, reducing stress from traffic, and ultimately spending more time enjoying the beauty of Utah rather than simply trying to reach it.