Making Skiing More Sustainability

Making Skiing More Sustainability is not a one-time project. In fact, the sustainable practice of skiing should continue for many decades to come. It's a great way to get outdoors and experience the surreal landscape of a spider's web of pistes. Besides, it beats playing cards in a chalet!

Sustainable Ski Resorts

Sustainable ski resorts have a number of environmental benefits and are a great way to enjoy the great outdoors in an environmentally-friendly manner. The construction of ski runs can significantly reduce the water holding capacity of soils and the amount of organic carbon in soils. The construction of ski runs can also pollute nearby rivers and lakes.

The ski industry can improve its environmental performance by implementing systems and leadership changes that reduce the impact of tourism on the environment. By reducing the environmental impact of skiing, resorts can improve the local economy, reduce financial stress, and make skiing more sustainable.

Costs of Running Artificial Snow Machines

Running artificial snow machines can be costly, both environmentally and financially. Modern snow guns consume between 1,000 and 2,000 kilowatt hours per acre foot of manufactured snow. Each kilowatt hour equates to about four barrels of oil. That means that, every year, Heavenly snow resort uses the equivalent of 530 passenger cars to produce its artificial snow. Not only that, but the carbon load also includes emissions from snowmobiles and snow cats shoving snow up the slopes.

Artificial snow has a higher density and water content than natural snow. Because of this, it weighs more and is less thermally insulating than natural snow. Additionally, it can affect the ecology and biodiversity of the area it covers. Thus, excessive use of artificial snow is not sustainable in the short term and will ultimately cost public funds and energy.

Waste Generated By Ski Resorts

Many ski resorts are trying to reduce the amount of waste that they produce and send to landfill. Some resorts have made progress in this area and have even partnered with local businesses to produce biodegradable paper cups and plates. Other resorts are trying to use biodegradable materials and compost. Some resorts are negotiating with local farmers to provide organic matter to compost. While these are positive measures, they still don't fully eliminate waste generated at ski resorts.

Snow skiing is a popular winter sport that brings a significant influx of visitors to remote mountain areas. This tourism generates significant economic stimulus to the region and diversifies the local economy. The state of Colorado estimates that the snow skiing industry contributes USD 4.8 billion in annual economic output and supports 46,000 year-round equivalent jobs. In addition, it accounts for 8 percent of flights into the state's largest airport. However, while the industry provides a lot of economic stimulus to local economies, it can also negatively impact the environment. With increasing environmental concerns, ski resorts are faced with new costs and responsibilities.

Costs of Operating Solar Panels

A growing number of ski resorts are making the switch to renewable energy. The Berkshire East ski resort in western Massachusetts, for example, is powered by a 500 kilowatt solar farm and 900 kilowatt wind turbine. This investment has returned its investment in five years, and other ski resorts are considering similar measures. The cost of operating solar panels is offset by the amount of energy saved by running the ski resort.

The winterberg ski area, which is ranked among the top ten in Germany, has a photovoltaic system installed on its slopes. This installation provides 245,000 kWh of power a year and saves the ski area 146,000 kilograms of CO2 per year. It has also partnered with lift operators to install nine photovoltaic systems on functional buildings. The additional solar energy from these systems is expected to provide an additional 600,000 kWh per year. Meanwhile, two more solar panels are planned for the resort's Remmeswiese area. These should be completed by autumn 2022.

Costs of Running Hydroelectricity

Skiing resorts are not immune to the costs associated with running hydroelectric plants. The Aspen Skiing Company, for example, uses bio diesel for its snowcats. Hydroelectric power plants can use the runoff from snowmelt to generate electricity. The company is already working with local residents to develop sustainable practices.

But the price of hydroelectricity can be prohibitive for some ski resorts. In France, 70% of the resorts have three-year contracts with the state electricity supplier EDF, and their contracts will have to be renegotiated this fall. As a result, some ski resorts fear EDF will try to hike the price by up to 20 times, to EUR800 - 1,000 per megawatt. Some ski resorts in France are trying to stop this from happening by petitioning the French government to enact an EU proposal that would cap prices at EUR180 per megawatt hour.

While it's impossible to stop hydroelectricity generation, ski resorts can reduce costs by taking energy conservation measures. One example is lowering lift speeds. Some ski resorts reduce lift speeds to four metres during off-peak periods. The changes are not noticeable to skiers, but the cost of energy will likely result in price hikes. But resorts will do everything they can to avoid passing on this cost to skiers.