The Environmental Impact of Ski Resorts: How to Ski Sustainably

6 June 2025

Skiing’s that perfect blend of adventure, fresh mountain air, and heart-racing speed. There’s just something magical about carving turns down a snow-covered slope with powder spraying behind you. It’s a sport that feeds the soul. But here’s the thing—it comes at a cost. And not just the cost of lift tickets or new gear. We’re talking about the toll ski resorts can have on the environment.

If you’re someone who loves winter sports but also cares deeply about the planet, don’t worry. You don’t need to hang up your skis just yet. In this article, we’re diving into the real environmental impacts of ski resorts and how you—yes, YOU—can enjoy the slopes while being kind to Mother Nature.

What’s the Deal with Ski Resorts and the Environment?

Let’s be honest—ski resorts aren’t exactly carbon-neutral playgrounds. They change entire landscapes to fit snow sports into them. Picture this: forests get chopped down for ski runs, rivers are redirected for snowmaking, and huge amounts of energy go into powering lifts, lodges, and transportation.

Here are some heavy-hitters when it comes to environmental impact:

Deforestation and Habitat Loss

When ski resorts expand, they often clear forests to create new slopes and chairlift lines. This means wildlife lose their homes, and biodiversity? It takes a serious hit. Think of it like building a highway through a quiet neighborhood—suddenly, it’s chaos for anything that was already living there.

Water Consumption and Snowmaking

Snowmaking’s become a lifeline for ski resorts, especially with unpredictable snowfalls. But it’s not as innocent as it looks. Those snow guns? They suck up millions of gallons of water—sometimes from already stressed rivers. And that water? It’s often treated with chemicals to improve snow quality. Not exactly natural, right?

Energy Use and Carbon Emissions

From running ski lifts all day to heating massive ski lodges, energy use is off the charts. And unless the resort is tapping into clean, renewable sources, we're talking major carbon footprints here. Plus, there’s the transportation angle—guests usually drive or fly to resorts, piling on even more emissions.

Waste Generation

Have you ever noticed the trash bins overflowing at a busy lodge? The packaging from snacks, broken equipment, single-use plastics from cafeterias—it adds up fast. Resorts that aren’t serious about waste management often let this become a silent environmental disaster.

Climate Change: The Big Snowball in the Room

Here's the kicker: the ski industry depends entirely on cold weather and reliable snowfall, yet it’s contributing to the climate change that threatens both.

Shorter winters, rising temperatures, and less predictable snow patterns are already forcing some resorts to close early or invest heavily in artificial snow. It’s a vicious cycle—burn more fossil fuels to make snow, which causes more warming down the line.

Simply put: skiing is on the climate front lines.

Skiing Sustainably Isn’t Just Possible—It’s Necessary

Okay, that was a lot. But now for the good stuff. Just because skiing has an environmental impact doesn’t mean we should give up on it. Instead, let’s focus on doing it better. The truth is, we can all make choices that help make skiing more sustainable.

Here’s how to hit the slopes without hitting the planet too hard.

1. Choose Eco-Friendly Resorts

Not all ski resorts are created equal. Some are leading the way when it comes to sustainability. Look for resorts that:

- Rely on renewable energy
- Practice sustainable forestry management
- Have efficient snowmaking systems
- Offset their carbon emissions
- Promote zero-waste initiatives
- Protect local wildlife and ecosystems

For example, resorts like Aspen Snowmass and Whistler Blackcomb are investing heavily in environmentally responsible practices.

If the resort you frequent isn’t on the sustainable path, don’t be afraid to speak up. Resorts listen to their customers—especially when it comes to making green changes.

2. Travel Smarter

Getting to a ski resort usually burns a lot of fuel. But there are greener options:

- Carpool with friends (bonus: road trips are just more fun with a crew!)
- Use public transportation or resort shuttles where available
- Stay at a resort that offers ski-in/ski-out options to reduce commuting within the area
- Offset your carbon emissions if you fly

Every mile matters. Imagine the emissions we could cut if even half of skiers carpooled—it’d be like taking thousands of cars off the road for an entire season.

3. Rethink Your Gear

Skiing is gear-heavy. Between skis, boots, outerwear, and accessories, things can get pricey—and wasteful—fast. Here's how you can gear up sustainably:

Buy Used or Upcycled Gear

There’s a huge market for second-hand gear that’s still in excellent condition. Whether it’s last year’s model or gently used jackets, you’ll save money and the environment.

Support Eco-Conscious Brands

Some outdoor brands are killing it in sustainability. Look for companies using recycled materials, ethical labor practices, and carbon-neutral manufacturing processes.

Repair, Don’t Replace

Got a torn jacket or broken buckle? Fix it! Many brands offer warranties or repair programs. It's way cooler (and greener) to repair than replace.

Rent When You Can

Not ready to commit to your own setup? Rent gear from shops that maintain equipment well and rotate it responsibly. It reduces waste and supports local businesses.

4. Respect Nature—Even When You’re There to Shred It

This one’s big. Ski areas are part of fragile mountain ecosystems. The way we treat those places matters.

- Stay on designated trails to avoid damaging vegetation
- Don’t litter—pack out what you pack in
- Respect wildlife—don’t feed or disturb animals
- Stick to marked zones—especially in backcountry areas where you could trigger avalanches or harm protected habitats

Treat nature like it’s your friend’s house. You wouldn’t throw trash around or stomp through the flowerbeds, right?

5. Support Climate Advocacy

As much as personal changes help, the ski industry’s problems run deep. Real change means pushing for bigger environmental actions.

Get involved in climate advocacy groups that work on protecting winter sports and mountain regions. Organizations like Protect Our Winters (POW) are fighting to keep snow on the mountains and climate change at bay.

Your voice matters. Vote for climate-friendly policies, support local environmental efforts, and talk about these issues with your ski buddies.

6. Minimize Your Footprint at the Resort

When you’re at the resort, being mindful goes a long way:

- Bring a reusable water bottle
- Skip plastic straws and disposable utensils
- Opt for plant-based meals once in a while (meat production is massively carbon-intensive!)
- Choose low-impact lodging (look for eco-certifications like LEED or Green Key)
- Turn off lights and heaters in your room when you're not using them

Little actions snowball into big change. Think of it as your sustainability après-ski routine.

7. Embrace the Local and Off-Peak

Ever tried skiing at a smaller, local hill instead of a massive tourist magnet? Less infrastructure, more charm—and usually a lighter carbon footprint to match.

Plus, skiing during off-peak days or midweek can help spread out resort usage and reduce environmental strain.

Bonus: No lines, cheaper passes, and more space on the slopes. Win-win.

The Future of Skiing Depends on Us

If you’ve ever stood on top of a pristine mountain slope with nothing but fresh powder in front of you and the sky above, you know how special skiing is. It connects us to nature in a powerful way. And that connection is exactly why it’s worth protecting.

Sustainable skiing isn’t about sacrifice—it’s about intention. By making smarter choices, raising our voices, and holding the industry accountable, we can make sure future generations get to fall in love with snow just like we did.

So go ahead—gear up, hit the slopes, and ride with purpose. Because the planet? It’s the most beautiful trail we’ve got.

Final Thoughts

Just like tackling a fresh black diamond run, skiing sustainably takes some effort. But man, is it worth it. Our snowy playgrounds won’t last forever if we don’t take care of them. So let’s carve out a new path—not just in the snow, but in how we think about our impact.

You don’t have to be perfect. Just start somewhere.

Every small choice adds up. And together? We can make skiing not just a thrill—but a force for good.