Ski season is here and it’s time to hit the slopes! But with global warming, our summers are getting hotter, our winters are growing shorter, and snow is fast becoming a precious resource. But not to worry, by going green when you ski you can still enjoy the slopes without having a meltdown. And whether you’re hitting the half-pipe or sipping apres-ski cocktails, here are a few easy tips on how to do it:
1. Choose a green ski resort.
Start your getaway by booking a suite at an eco-friendly ski resort where you can have a blast without having to hurt the planet. Although there are dozens of great environmentally-friendly resorts around the country to choose from, my favorite green ski destination is Northstar-at-Tahoe. The main buildings of Northstar’s new Village are LEED-certified and built from reclaimed granite, and you can shuttle to and from the slopes on waste-reducing buses fueled by biodiesel. They even offset their carbon emissions with wind power. And although Northstar sets the bar high with its numerous sustainability initiatives, the entire resort has an upscale, Aspen-like feel, so you can go green without giving up the good life.
2. Upgrade your wardrobe for sustainable snow gear.
If you’re tired of wearing last year’s ski gear, now’s a perfect time to upgrade your old ski uniform for some sustainable snow duds. This year, I traded in my old black and white penguin ski outfit for a mahogany-rich water-resistant recycled down jacket from REI. I love it because it’s lightweight but toasty, with shaped elbows and seamless armpits that move with my body on fast snowboard runs. And it even has a secret waterproof compartment for your ipod so you can listen to your favorite tunes while you carve down the mountain in style.
3. Offset your carbon footprint.
Carbon emissions from travel are one of the biggest contributors to planet-warming greenhouse gases. So whether you travel to the slopes by plane, train, or automobile, don’t forget to clean up after yourself! Offseting your carbon emissions is an easy, efficient and economical way to reduce the carbon footprint from your travels. How it works is simple: every dollar spent offsetting is invested in renewable energy, energy efficiency or reforestation credits that cancel out your carbon usage. And the best part is you can purchase carbon offsetting credits for your home, your business, or even a three-day ski weekend. One to try: Carbonfund.org, a non-profit that lets you choose which offsetting method works best for you. I’m a hopeless treehugger, so I always choose to neutralize my CO2 emissions by investing in tree-planting reforestation methods.
