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Sign up for the next sessionArtificial snow and snow groomers aren't the real issue. In fact, snowmaking accounts for less than 2% of a ski resort's greenhouse gas emissions. So, why isn't skiing eco-friendly?
Artificial snow and snow groomers aren't the real problem.
In reality, snowmaking accounts for less than 2% of ski resort greenhouse gas emissions.
According to ADEME, the breakdown of greenhouse gas emissions for ski resorts is as follows:
1- Transport: 57% of the resorts' carbon footprint
2 - Accommodation: 27%
3 - Roads, parking, freight: 10%
4 - Snow groomers, snowmaking, ski lifts, waste: 2%
This breakdown makes it clear that, in reality, the mass movement of people to ski resorts is the primary source of GHG emissions.
To reduce the impact of skiing, we need to focus on the activity's main emissions: transport and accommodation.
- We need to decarbonize transport, meaning traveling to ski resorts only by train.
- Decarbonize accommodation: limit heating by maximizing insulation, restricting new construction, using sustainable materials, etc.
- Offer exclusively local, sustainable food options
These actions help limit the carbon impact of skiing, but the activity still won't be eco-friendly.
Mass tourism, human development, habitat destruction, resource consumption, and various disturbances mean that skiing is the polar opposite of an eco-friendly activity.
At the same time, an entire industry depends on this mass tourism. To be profitable, a resort needs to be open for 100 days per winter (give or take, depending on the resort). Skiing in France accounts for 120,000 direct jobs.
The sector has not yet found a way to replace skiing to generate enough revenue for all the people and families who depend on it.
Eco-friendly habits, end-of-season cleanups, ski recycling, labels, organic clothing, and carpooling won't be enough to make skiing eco-friendly. These initiatives are good and show an intention to transform the sector, but making skiing eco-friendly depends on the scale, the volume, and the number of people participating.
As Loic Giaconne says, skiing depends on "the multiplication of individual impact by the number of individuals," just like any other activity.
Check out this interview with Loic Giaccone by BonPote. It’s a great read.
