ACTION !

Reducing GHG emissions is all about energy savings. The Climate Challenge Annual Review in the United States, which has been running for 11 years and now includes 35 American ski resorts, provides a framework for destinations to commit to a multi-year process of reducing CO2 emissions, sharing their initiatives with the community, and collaborating to create collective strength and power. The targets, which are set by the resorts, are not spectacular but rather tangible and realistic. Participants who achieve them earn badges from the Sustainable Slopes Program, overseen by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), from which they also receive grants to implement meaningful actions.

Closer to home, the Domaines

Skiables de France ski area group has introduced an environmental roadmap to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2037. This includes hydrogen-powered snow groomers, the rolling out of a carbon footprint evaluation in all ski areas, eco-driving, and rationalising the use of grooming vehicles and ski lifts. Many resorts have already adopted these practices, driven by the recent energy price hikes.