While traveling long distances clearly has an impact on the environment, there are several ways to offset the carbon footprint of our adventures. A bonus, many of these measures save you money and some will make a trip more enjoyable. In this post, I’m focusing on ways to make a ski vacation more sustainable.
The Impact
Roughly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions come from tourism and 49% of that is due to air travel. Unfortunately, air travel is what makes many trips possible. Instead of trying to find alternate means of transportation (ferries have the lowest emissions per passenger mile but won’t get you to the ski slopes), let’s look at other ways to reduce your footprint.
How you can travel with the planet in mind
Transportation
Book flights with the fewest stops: Takeoffs and landings account for half of the carbon emissions of a flight. Fortunately, Salt Lake City International Airport offers direct flights from nearly 100 cities. I don’t know about you, but I hate layovers, so this is an easy ask.
Pack light: The heavier your luggage, the more fuel planes and cars consume to transport it, so by packing lighter, you can lower carbon emissions. Pack clothing that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. If you’re not familiar with “capsule” wardrobes, give it a search. The practice is super helpful when packing light.
Ride the Ski Bus or the all-electric Park City Transit Bus: If 50 skiers used the bus to Big Cottonwood Canyon instead of driving, they could save approximately 1,018.5 kg of CO2!
Riding the bus speeds up your commute to the slopes. Buses have priority access up the canyons after a closure, and they drop you off right at the base without having to manage parking. A win-win! Learn more about how to Ride the Ski Bus in this post.
Carpool: Each skier added to your carpool saves about 20kg of CO2 compared to driving themselves, and you get to enjoy good conversation on the ride. Another plus, many resorts give carpoolers a break on parking or have special spaces reserved for them.
Rent a hybrid or electric vehicle: If you choose to rent a vehicle, consider a hybrid or electric model. However, if there is snow in the forecast, you may also want an all-wheel-drive option or use public transport to the ski areas. Learn more about winter driving in this post.
Offset Your Carbon Emissions: Consider offsetting the carbon emissions as part or all of your trip by donating to vetted environmental projects based here in the United States using Patch.io. It’s a wonderful way to give back while offsetting the impact of your ski vacation!
Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations and Ski Areas
Research Sustainability Practices: This is the best way to ensure you are supporting a resort that gives back. Sustainability is more than a certification; it’s a systematic plan implemented in every aspect of operations. Review the information Alta Ski Area and Sundance Mountain Resort provide on their efforts:
These are just two examples of the efforts Utah resorts are making to protect our environment.
Look for Certifications: You can also look for hotels or resorts with environmental certifications like Green Key. However, some of the most committed companies don’t have certifications, so research is more reliable. We have gathered some links to various companies on this page to get you started: Sustainability
Reduce Your Impact During Your Stay
Conserve Water: Take shorter showers, reuse towels, and be mindful of water consumption.
Save Energy: Turn off lights and adjust the thermostat when you leave the room.
Reduce Waste: Avoid single-use plastics by bringing your own reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils.
Support Local Businesses
Shop Local: Buy souvenirs and gifts from local businesses or consider consumable souvenirs!
Eat Local: Support locally owned restaurants and enjoy authentic cuisine. Utah resorts have some stellar dining options and don’t forget to venture downtown to try some local favorites as well.
Remember, sustainability is achieved through a variety of small actions multiplied by tens of thousands of travelers like you. You cannot solve it all, but your efforts add to the whole and make a difference.
