What Can the US$5bn Skiing Industry Do to be Sustainable?

The global ski vacation market is projected to grow from US$5bn to US$15bn by 2032, with skiing growing in popularity.
Like every industry, it comes with a significant carbon footprint: each skier contributes an average of 48.9kg of additional CO2 emissions.
So what can be done to make skiing more sustainable?
The International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS) has published its first Sustainability Guide for Ski Resorts, including a 14-point plan to drive down the impact of the industry on the environment.
Resorts are ‘at risk’
It does not take much to work out that rising global temperatures and snow do not mix.
In the United States, there has been an 86% decline in April snowpacks in certain regions, as documented between 1955 and 2022 by the Environmental Protection Agency.
In Europe, 53% of ski resorts will be at very high risk for snow supply cover under the 2-degree temperature rise limit set by the Paris Agreement, according to a study published by Nature Climate Change.
The FIS report says a great deal is being done by ski resorts to champion sustainability.
It says: “As skiing continues to surge in popularity, drawing enthusiasts to the slopes, ski resorts have become crucial advocates for a more sustainable and responsible approach to winter sports.
“With an appreciation for and respect for nature, skiers and ski resorts often champion sustainable progression through innovative practices and adaptive measures, seeking to preserve the natural world and mitigate climate change.”
About the FIS
The FIS is the global governing body for ski and snowboard sports.
Founded in 1924 in Chamonix, France, it was established to promote and regulate winter sports at an international level.
It was created to standardise rules and organise competitions, with Alpine skiing the first discipline under its wing.
It has since expanded to oversee sports including freestyle skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ski jumping and nordic combined.
FIS is responsible for setting the official rules and regulations for these sports and ensuring fair competition through its role in officiating and organising events.
It also manages the World Cup series for many of the disciplines, such as the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, which is among the most prestigious in the sport.
The organisation works closely with the International Olympic Committee on selecting sports to be included in the Winter Olympic Games.
What is the FIS saying about sustainability?
Unveiling its Sustainability Guide, the FIS said: “Ski resorts operate in natural environments and this gives them a unique opportunity to lead sustainable progress.
“FIS is dedicated to leading the way in this transformative journey, having developed the Sustainability Guide for Ski Resorts to provide support to resorts around the globe.”
A 14-point plan for sustainable skiing
The Sustainability Guide for Ski Resorts contains 14 initiatives it says can lay the groundwork for building environmentally resilient ski destinations. They are:
1 – Reduce the energy consumption and carbon footprint of ski lifts
2 – Achieve 100% green electricity use with a renewable energy mix
3 – Set a net zero goal for 2050
4 – Adopt an effective piste management plan including mapping and preserving biodiversity, offering ungroomed runs and transitioning to clean-energy snow groomers
5 – Conserve natural habitats
6 – Encourage sustainable travel by skiers and riders travelling to resorts
7 – Introduce snow farming practices, a technique for preserving snow from the previous season by collecting and storing it in insulated facilities
8 – Implement snow pump technology with lower emissions and water usage
9 – Set waste zero targets
10 – Collaborate with key stakeholders including local communities, landowners, farmers and skiers
11 – Design more sustainable restaurants, cafes and bars
12 – Design more sustainable accommodation
13 – Organise sustainable events
14 – Create a sustainability programme.
The FIS said: “By adopting these 14 key initiatives, ski resorts can pave the way toward a more sustainable snow sports industry, reducing their environmental impact while enhancing the overall experience for guests.”
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