To become a sustainable skier, there are a few things you can do. First, you can try to reduce your carbon footprint by taking public transportation or carpooling to the ski resort instead of driving alone. You can also choose to stay at a resort that is committed to sustainability, such as one that uses renewable energy sources or has programs in place to reduce its environmental impact.
Additionally, you can practice responsible on-mountain behavior, such as staying on designated trails, picking up any trash you may come across, and being mindful of wildlife. By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that skiing remains a sustainable and environmentally-friendly activity for generations to come.
Does sustainable ski gear brands exist?
There are several ski gear brands that are committed to sustainability. Some examples include Patagonia, which uses recycled materials in its ski clothing and equipment, and Kjus, which has a program in place to recycle old ski clothing and gear. Another sustainable ski gear brand is Black Diamond, which has a commitment to reducing its environmental impact and uses sustainable materials in its products. Additionally, The North Face has a line of sustainable ski gear called "Futurelight," which is made using a sustainable manufacturing process. If you are from UK, head over to Eco-ski they have pre-vetted their selection of ski gear and have great collection of pre-loved items too.
Why we love Patagonia:
Patagonia's offers repair services and support for Patagonia products through Worn Wear program . The goal of the program is to help extend the life of Patagonia products and reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills. Through the Worn Wear program, Patagonia offers repair services for its products, including ski clothing and equipment. The program also has a network of repair specialists who can provide more extensive repairs, as well as a trade-in program that allows customers to trade in their old Patagonia products for credit towards the purchase of new items. By offering these services, Patagonia aims to promote a culture of repair and reuse and reduce the environmental impact of its products.
Switch to Eco-friendly Ski Wax
Eco-friendly ski wax is a type of ski wax that is made using environmentally-friendly materials and manufacturing processes. This type of wax is typically made using plant-based or biodegradable materials, which helps to reduce its environmental impact. Eco-friendly ski wax is also often made without harmful chemicals, such as perfluorocarbons (PFCs), which are commonly found in traditional ski waxes and can have negative effects on the environment. Using eco-friendly ski wax can help to reduce your carbon footprint as a skier and contribute to the overall sustainability of the sport.
There are several brands that offer eco-friendly ski wax. One example is Swix, which offers a line of eco-friendly ski wax called "Eco Pro" that is made using plant-based materials and is free of PFCs. Another brand that offers eco-friendly ski wax is Holmenkol, which has a line of wax called "EcoMix" that is made using biodegradable materials and is free of harmful chemicals. Additionally, Toko offers a line of eco-friendly ski wax called "Green Line" that is made using renewable energy and biodegradable materials.
Are ski rentals truly sustainable?
Ski renting can be a sustainable option, depending on how it is done. If a ski rental company uses high-quality equipment that is well-maintained and can be used for many seasons, this can be a more sustainable option than buying new equipment every season. Additionally, if the ski rental company offers a program for recycling old or damaged equipment, this can help to reduce the environmental impact of the ski industry. On the other hand, if the equipment used by the ski rental company is low-quality and not well-maintained, or if there is no program in place for recycling old equipment, this may not be as sustainable. In general, choosing a ski rental company that is committed to sustainability and uses high-quality, well-maintained equipment can help to make the ski rental experience more sustainable.
If you want to learn more about the topic, head over to our sustainability page, or read another blog post on how to make your holidays more eco-friendly.
See you on the slopes,
Snow Family Team