Skiing or snow boarding through crisp white snow, high in the mountains below a clear blue ski has a major appeal to many of us. All skiers and boarders visiting mountainous areas have an obligation to ensure that their impact on these special areas is minimised. Here are some simple suggestions for how you can do this, both when on the slopes and when planning your trip.
Ski Mountaineering
- Be respectful of the mountains, the locals, the cultures and other mountain users. Be a responsible mountain visitor.
- Avoid skiing on areas without complete snow cover where your skis will slice through the vegetation which may take years to regenerate in fragile upland areas.
- Minimise the impact your ski gear has on the environment. Rent your ski gear, or purchase second-hand equipment and repair skis to reduce the impact your skis have in their manufacturing. Favour clothing made from green or reycled fibres, and take measures such as reapplying waterproofing treatment to extend their lives.
- Reduce global warming by reducing your CO2 emissions. This should be of critical concern to anyone who enjoys skiing and snowboarding because global warming is making winter seasons shorter and warmer. Make sure that you do not contribute to it. Measures such as re-using your towels each day, recycling waste, switching off unused appliances while on holiday both at home and in your holiday accommodation, and by traveling to your chosen location by train rather than flying or driving there will all help reduce your impact.
Some of the ideas here come from the Ski Club of Great Britain ‘Seven Steps to Preserve the Mountains’. For more information, please visit their website by clicking
HERE.
Other ideas have come from Respect the Mountains and you can get more information from their website
HERE.
