Winter tourism in a warming world: top travel tips
How do you balance budget with a climate conscience when booking a winter trip? Making changes to the way we travel is one of the most effective ways of reducing emissions and giving the snow and ice a fighting chance.
What's the problem?
If you love snow and ice, you’re probably aware that it is in rather short supply these days. Extreme weather events caused by a warming planet mean that glaciers throughout the world have become unstable, snow less consistent and conditions far riskier, particularly in the last 50 years. Thinning permafrost and snow cover resulting in frequent rockfall in European alpine destinations has made skiing and mountaineering more dangerous. Peak climbing seasons have been brought forward in many areas, and guides have adapted their activity offerings and programmes to lessen footfall on peaks that are particularly vulnerable to climate change.
Lack of snow cover in many ski destinations has led to the use of snow cannons to create a false covering. This itself is an energy-intensive process, without which many resorts would become unviable.
Why should we care?
Put simply, if you're into any kind of winter mountain activity, climate change should probably be on your agenda...
The Alps are warming about twice as fast as the global average, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The rapidly progressing effects on ski and mountaineering destinations in Europe gravely effects local economies that depend on tourism. Far more grave than that, the impact of climate change seriously jeopardises the landscapes we love and that many call home, putting them at risk of further irreversible damage.
It's important to acknowledge that environmentalism can take many forms, is nuanced and dependent on privilege. As part of its Climate and Sustainability Action Plan, the BMC is committed to influencing planning and policymakers at local and national levels, as well as supporting its members and the wider outdoor community to make meaningful changes to address climate change.
That's where you come in...
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What can we do?
We get it, it's hard not to feel defeated when you see the stats, and indeed, the tourism industry still predominantly promotes the cheapest, fastest travel and transport methods - often with little regard for their environmental credentials. It's difficult to balance budget with your climate conscience.
Global tourism (not only climbing and ski tourism) is responsible for an estimated at 8.1% of all global emissions, with 49.1% of this being caused by transport. One of the simplest steps we can take as a community towards lessening our environmental impact is considering our options when we book a winter activity trip. This doesn't have to mean bike packing your way from the Peak to the Piz Badille (although it could), but making smaller, incremental changes that suit your timeframe and budget can be a really positive step towards lessening our carbon footprint and slowing the effects of climate change.
We've put together some useful travel and transport tips to help you plan a more mindful, meaningful and lower-impact winter getaway...
Getting there
Go flight-free
This is the big one. According to Ski Flight Free, a typical trip to the alps by plane will account for 50-70% of the total carbon cost of the holiday. Whilst flying is still typically the cheapest way to reach your destination, it is undoubtedly the most impactive.
Most European ski and mountaineering destinations are accessible via a public transport network, though this does require a bit more forethought than simply hitting up your trusty flight finder app. The other thing to bear in mind, is that travelling overland can hike up the cost of your trip and time spent in transit. Booking as early as you can will help to mitigate this, while planning stop-offs and making the journey part of the holiday can also add to the adventure. Seat61 is a great tool for planning train trips in Europe.
Electric vehicles are a much less accessible option for many people, but if you do own one, your emissions for a journey to the alps could produce as little as 4kg CO2e when using the Eurostar. Check out this case study of one man travelling to Zermatt in his EV (there's also a useful break-down of charging costs).
If this all feels a bit overwhelming or beyond your budget, you could consider switching just one journey leg to overland public transport and take a return flight, or vice-versa. Every positive action is worthwhile!
Do the maths
If you've decided to go flight-free, you might want to start weighing up which alternative options have the lowest impact vs cost. It might surprise you to know that the carbon footprint of driving to the Alps in a petrol car (alone or with one passenger) is actually no different to flying. Even with three passengers it is only about 10% less compared to flying, but with four or five people, you cut the number of CO2e emissions by as much as two thirds. Whilst this might seem impractical when carrying a lot of gear, it will certainly liven up a long drive if you can be economical with your packing! You can use the BMC Liftshare to find travellers going your way.
There are a number of carbon calculators available online, such as this one from sustainabletravel.org which can help you visualise your footprint a bit better and compare the different modes of transport available.
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At your destination
Perks and passes
If outward overland travel isn't accessible to you, another really great way to reduce your emissions and lessen your environmental impact on holiday is to check out your transport options once you've arrived. Travelling from the airport to your destination by bus or train and exploring public transport options to get to climbing or skiing areas are steps in the right direction.
If it's your first time visiting the alps, you might not know that there are a lot of free and low-cost public transport options that are actively incentivised in many of these areas. In Chamonix for example, you can use the regular buses that serve resorts up and down the valley for free if you have a lift pass. If you're not using the lifts, you can collect a 'carte d'hôte' from your hotel or campsite reception or accommodation host which also gives you free travel on trains and buses in the valley.
Similar schemes run in the Jungfrau ski region of Switzerland and many other winter mountain destinations. Public transport systems in these regions are impressively efficient, a great way to save money and reduce air pollution. Shockingly, the air quality index is often worse in Chamonix than in Paris, due to high pressure systems that trap polluted air in the valley. Check what's available before travelling and make sure you're getting all the perks!
Look to the future
Sharing is caring
Start a conversation with your climbing or skiing contemporaries: the impact of climate change on European mountain regions may not be on their radar. If a friend is thinking of booking a break, why not share this information with them? Supporting others within the outdoor community to make better informed choices where possible is a really good way to elicit changes in behaviour and thought patterns. Talk to your skiing or mountaineering club about how they can encourage more climate-conscious travel options for meets.
It's important to recognise that not all these ideas will be accessible to everyone, and that even the smallest adaptation is worthwhile.
Vote with your feet
One of the biggest levers we have to enact systemic change is voting and campaigning. The BMC continues to work with the government to shape and strengthen environmental policies for the future of our outdoor spaces, and invites its members to hold the government to account over pledges made in their manifesto. Supporting charitable initiatives such as the BMC's Climate Project helps us to continue our work in addressing the climate and biodiversity crisis at home.
Stay informed
Climate organisations such as Protect Our Winters are an excellent source of information on issues that affect outdoor sports and activities and how to become a climate advocate. It's tough to take it all in, but staying informed is integral to making better choices, spreading awareness and gathering momentum when it comes to slowing climate change.
If you're planning your next winter trip, give some thought to how you can lighten your holiday footprint, and give the snow and ice a fighting chance.
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