Going on a winter holiday in the mountains means treating yourself to a break in the heart of nature and sharing precious moments with your family. But these breathtaking landscapes are also fragile. They deserve to be protected and preserved, so we can continue to enjoy them for years to come and allow future generations to experience the joy of snow-covered slopes.
So, if you truly love the mountains and want to reduce your environmental footprint, be aware that a few simple actions can make a real difference—without sacrificing enjoyment or feeling guilty.
Choose a certified resort close to home
The environmental impact of your holiday begins long before you arrive at the resort—when you choose your destination.
But what criteria should you consider when choosing the ideal ski resort? Here are a few simple tips:
- opt for a resort with an environmental certification, such as Flocon Vert (more than 30 resorts in France will be certified by 2026, most of which have one or more Sport 2000 stores);
- choose a village-style resort rooted in its natural surroundings and local heritage, rather than a heavily built-up destination, and if possible;
- go for pedestrian-friendly resorts (more convenient and safer when travelling with children) and/or those well served by free public transport;
- prioritize resorts closest to your home, and if you are hesitating between several options, consider calculating the carbon emissions for each journey to make the most environmentally responsible choice.
Choose eco-friendly accommodation
While it’s not always easy to assess accommodation from a distance, several criteria can help you enjoy a more sustainable ski holiday:
- environmental certifications such as Green Key or the EU Ecolabel, which recognize commitments to energy, water, and waste management;
- the type of heating used, giving priority to renewable energy sources;
- accommodation size suited to your needs: there’s no need to book an oversized chalet that is difficult to heat if you are a family of three or four;
- the property’s location: staying close to the slopes or public transport helps reduce car use.
Favor public transport over driving
Once your resort has been chosen and your accommodation booked, there are still many ways to reduce your environmental impact.
One of the most energy-intensive and polluting aspects of a ski holiday is travel—especially when done by petrol or diesel car.
We know that giving up the car isn’t always easy: driving can be more economical when travelling as a group, not everyone lives near a train station or bus service, and fixed schedules can be difficult to manage—particularly when travelling with children.
However, there are always solutions to reduce the environmental impact of your journey, depending on where you live and where you’re going: carpooling, train travel (many resorts are directly served by trains or connected by bus from stations and airports), and coach services.
Also remember that by booking your equipment in advance with Sport 2000 and picking it up directly at the resort, you avoid unnecessary travel and travel lighter.
Rent equipment instead of buying
Another often-overlooked way to ski more sustainably is to rent ski equipment rather than buying it new. This includes skis, boots, helmets, poles, and more.
It is even sometimes possible to rent ski clothing in Sport 2000 stores—a practical and cost-effective solution, especially for children who grow out of their gear every season.
Rent your equipment with Sport 2000
Why is renting more eco-friendly? Because it allows equipment to be shared and used more efficiently, helps avoid repeated purchases, and maximizes product lifespan. At Sport 2000, rental is part of a sustainable approach: skis are serviced, repaired, and prepared in professional workshops to extend their lifespan and optimize their use season after season.
If you’d like to learn more, we’ve dedicated a full article to the environmental benefits of renting ski equipment with Sport 2000
Consume local and seasonal products
A family holiday in the mountains is the perfect opportunity to discover a wide range of local specialties that appeal to both adults and children.
Choosing local and seasonal food combines pleasure with environmental responsibility, as it reduces transport-related emissions, energy use for production, and storage requirements.
Whether at restaurants, markets, or local shops, opt for products sourced from the region. At the same time, this helps you fully immerse yourself in the “mountain atmosphere” and raise awareness among the whole family.
Adopt eco-friendly habits in your accommodation and on the slopes
While holidays can sometimes lead us to relax our usual habits, it’s still essential to maintain simple, responsible actions during a ski trip.
Eco-friendly actions in your accommodation
You’re probably already familiar with many of these practices, but here’s a reminder of what to keep in mind during your stay:
- limit water consumption (e.g. take short showers instead of baths);
- heat accommodation responsibly (e.g. use a timer if available, keep living areas around 19°C);
- sort your waste;
- air the accommodation daily, but avoid leaving windows open too long to prevent heat loss;
- turn off lights and electrical devices when leaving;
- reuse towels and bed linen for several days in hotels instead of changing them daily.
Responsible habits on the slopes
Eco-friendly actions don’t stop at your accommodation. When skiing, remember to:
- if you smoke, carry a portable ashtray;
- leave no waste behind, including food scraps, and feel free to pick up non-hazardous litter;
- stay on marked trails and avoid protected areas;
- reduce single-use items (reusable bottle instead of plastic, lunch box instead of disposable containers, etc.).
Ski more sustainably: it’s up to you!
As you can see, there’s no need to take drastic measures to make your mountain holiday more environmentally friendly. At Sport 2000, we believe that sustainable skiing is built on a series of small actions that everyone can adopt.
You’ll soon find that these simple habits become second nature over the seasons.
And there’s no need to feel guilty—if you can’t do everything, just do your best and aim to slightly improve your environmental footprint with each new trip.