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Now is the time to start looking for last minute ski holidays because there are some really great bargains just waiting to be snapped up. But, while you’re considering where to go, spare a few moments to think about the environmental impact of your ski holiday. We are all concerned for the environment and the damage caused to the planet by excess emissions, the use of polluting chemicals in so many areas of our life and ever increasing amounts of waste that have to be disposed of. Each and every one of us, and this includes ski resorts offering last minute ski holidays, has to take responsibility and play their part in repairing the damage we’ve already caused. Sustainable Development on the Ski Slopes More and more ski resorts are taking an active role in the fight to reduce their carbon footprint. One example is Val Thorens in France. Along with local authorities, a conscious decision has been made to provide skiers with a first class skiing experience which has all the facilities they’ve come to expect. At the same time, they actively seek out and implement procedures that encourage sustainable development and help preserve the environment. Acting Now for the Future The SETAM company is responsible for the operation of the Val Thorens resort and for maintaining and preserving the slopes and surrounding areas. The company takes their responsibility very seriously and has implemented a series of procedures that have both immediate and long term benefits for skiers and the environment. • Natural “artificial” snow – this may sound like a contradiction in terms. We all know that many resorts generate “artificial” snow to improve their slopes and extend the season. Many use chemicals and other agents to speed up the process. SETAM, on the other hand, using just freezing water droplets sprayed into the air, produces 100% pure and natural snow – no chemicals, no additives - just snow! • The resort’s ski lifts and cable cars make every effort to reduce energy wastage. There is also a strict non-pollution policy which includes preventing atmospheric, water and noise pollution. • The resort is ISO 9001 (Quality) certified, ISO 14 001 (Environment) certified and OHSAS 18 001 (Personal safety) certified. • Waste collection – there are over 50 waste collection and separation points located around the resort. Every year the company organises a “slope clean up” operation to collect rubbish left behind by skiers. • In an effort to reduce vehicle emissions, extensive car parking facilities (above and underground) are available and free shuttle services take skiers around the resort. Also, older busses are being replaced with vehicles that meet the environmentally friendly EURO 5 standard. • Every year, some 20,000 litres of used vegetable oil is collected from restaurants and recycled into biofuel. If you want more information, pick up the free information sheet “How much ozone gas does my mountain holiday produce?” from the Tourist Office. Whether you’ve planned your ski holiday well in advance or are looking for last minute ski holidays, remember the environment – it’s our job to preserve it so that our children and grandchildren can also enjoy the snow and the slopes. Belinda Smythson works for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service that has been helping avid skiers craft their perfect winter holiday for over a quarter of a century. If you're looking for last minute ski holidays in the Three Valleys, Paradiski, Espace Killy or Chamonix Valley, Ski Amis is the go-to company for winter sports fans searching for the holiday of a lifetime.
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