For many families, the dream of a ski holiday is tempered by concerns over its environmental cost, from flights to artificial snow. Journalist Mary-Ann Ochota, alongside her husband Joe, their two children, and her mother, decided to find a greener alternative. Their mission: to enjoy a winter sports break that prioritises the planet, proving that a sustainable family ski holiday is not only possible but profoundly rewarding.
The Journey: Ditching Planes for Trains
Travel is the single biggest contributor to a ski trip's carbon footprint. "The greenest ski resort is the one you get to without flying," advises Dom Winter from the climate action charity Protect Our Winters UK. Heeding this, the family opted for rail travel to the French Alps.
They boarded the Eurostar Snow train from London St Pancras on a Saturday morning, changing at Lille for a high-speed TGV service. By evening, they arrived at Bourg Saint-Maurice, the gateway station for major resorts including Les Arcs, Val d'Isère, and La Plagne. The journey offered space, flexibility with luggage, and a tangible sense of adventure as the French landscape rolled by.
The environmental savings were staggering. The carbon footprint of their train journey was just 4.7kg of CO2e per person. In stark contrast, the same trip via plane (flying to Geneva) and road transfer would have generated approximately 110kg of CO2e per person. The clear conclusion: a sustainable ski trip begins by going flight-free.
Gearing Up: The Rise of Skiwear Rental
To avoid the waste of buying new clothing for a short trip, the family turned to Ecoski, an award-winning rental service. This innovative company delivers high-performance ski jackets, salopettes, gloves, goggles, and even socks directly to your home before departure. After the holiday, you simply return the items in a prepaid box for professional cleaning and reuse by future customers.
This circular model not only saves money but also reduces the demand for fast-fashion outdoor gear. For those who fall in love with an item, Ecoski also operates as a 'try before you buy' service, allowing customers to purchase their hired kit.
Choosing the Right Resort: High Altitude and Green Credentials
With climate change pushing the snow line higher, selecting a resort committed to sustainability is crucial. The family chose Les Arcs, a resort certified with 2 Flocons Verts (Green Snowflakes) and B Corp status, signalling leading environmental and social practices.
Marie Clémence Vallier, head of quality and environment at ADS which operates Les Arcs, explained their philosophy. "We're committed to managing the mountain respectfully," she said. This includes strict limits on water use for artificial snowmaking and reducing grooming on certain slopes to protect biodiversity.
Located at altitudes between 1,600 and 2,000 metres, Les Arcs' high position means it relies less on snow cannons. The resort also generates 10% of its energy from hydroelectricity using meltwater, invests in staff accommodation, and promotes summer tourism. The car-free villages, like Arc 1950 where the family stayed, offer ski-in/ski-out convenience and a charming, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.
Experiencing the Mountain Responsibly
The holiday blended learning with low-impact enjoyment. After collecting rented equipment from Precision Ski, Mary-Ann began lessons with Evolution2, quickly progressing from a nervous beginner to earning a playful "Yeti 1" achievement badge.
Beyond the slopes, the family embraced other mountain experiences. A guided snowshoe walk with Michel through silent, snowy forests offered a magical connection to nature, spotting animal tracks and learning about local wildlife like wolves and bearded vultures.
Dining focused on regional specialties in village restaurants, supporting local producers and reducing the carbon miles associated with imported fine dining.
The trip, organised with the help of travel company Inghams Ski, demonstrated that with thoughtful choices—train travel, kit rental, and selecting high-altitude, certified resorts like Les Arcs—families can enjoy an exhilarating ski holiday that aligns with environmental values. As Mary-Ann Ochota concluded, this model of green skiing represents a joyful and sustainable future for winter sports, for as long as the snow lasts.
