As climate change continues to impact winter sports, ski resorts across Europe are taking action to reduce their environmental footprint. While skiing traditionally requires significant energy for lifts, piste grooming and chalet heating, many resorts are now prioritising sustainability and a greener future.
From investing in renewable energy to implementing green transport initiatives and protecting local ecosystems, many European ski resorts are making changes to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect our mountain environments.
Choosing a sustainable ski resort is a great way to minimise your environmental impact while enjoying the mountains. To help you find your next eco-conscious ski destination, our friends at Exploreo have compiled a list of Europe’s most sustainable ski resorts.
Flaine, France
Flaine is a standout resort in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps that is implementing several green initiatives to reduce its carbon impact.
The resort is car-free, encouraging guests to arrive by train. However, if you do drive, electric charging points are available in the car parks outside of the resort. Electric buses also serve the resort and surrounding area, making it convenient for guests to access.
Piste grooming used to account for nearly 80% of the Grand Massif ski area’s carbon footprint due to fossil fuel use. So, in 2023, the region switched to hydrotreated vegetable oil for all grooming vehicles following successful trials by the Compagnie des Alpes.
Flaine has always been committed to providing a unique experience whilst preserving the natural surroundings. It truly is a resort where nature meets innovation. To protect local wildlife, Flaine has committed to many projects, such as reforestation and the preservation of wetlands. Ski runs have also been designed to minimise erosion and damage caused over the winter months.
Book ski lessons in Flaine
St Anton, Austria
Located in the Tyrolean Alps, St Anton is an excellent destination for sustainability-conscious skiers. Since 2006, the resort has used the neighbouring Kartellsee reservoir to generate hydroelectricity. Enough hydroelectric power is generated to power the entire resort, making it one of Austria’s greenest ski resorts. All hotels and buildings in the resort are encouraged to use wood chips from nearby forests to power additional heating sources.
St. Anton actively promotes sustainable travel by offering a well-connected train station, making it easy for visitors to arrive by rail instead of flying, significantly reducing carbon emissions. The resort has direct connections from cities including Zurich, Innsbruck and Vienna. Additionally, an efficient electric bus shuttle system within the resort helps to reduce traffic and pollution. Around 80% of local transport in St. Anton is already electric, contributing to its eco-friendly initiatives.
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is one of Switzerland’s most sustainable ski resorts. Boasting some of the best off-piste skiing in the country, it is an excellent choice if you want an adventurous, eco-conscious ski holiday.
The resort has significantly reduced its carbon footprint in recent years by investing in green energy and efficient infrastructure. Its expansive chairlift system is now powered by 100% renewable electricity.
Visitors can reach Verbier via direct train, eliminating the need for flights or car travel. Additionally, Switzerland’s rail network is over 90% powered by hydroelectric energy, making it one of the most eco-friendly transport options in Europe.
Book ski lessons in Verbier
Serre Chevalier, France
Serre Chevalier in France is pioneering sustainability in alpine tourism through innovative eco-friendly initiatives. The resort harnesses renewable energy from hydroelectric, solar and wind power to reduce its carbon footprint.
Since 2016, the resort has been 30% self-sufficient and aims to produce 50% of its electricity needs by 2026 sustainably. Its hydroelectric system utilises melting snow and natural water flow, while solar panels installed on lift stations and other infrastructure generate clean energy. Additionally, small wind turbines contribute to renewable power generation.
Serre Chevalier also prioritises eco-friendly snow management, using energy-efficient snow cannons and optimised grooming techniques to minimise fuel consumption. The resort promotes responsible tourism by encouraging visitors to use public transport and car-share. Sustainability efforts extend to biodiversity protection, with reforestation and habitat restoration projects helping to preserve the mountain ecosystem.
Book ski lessons in Serre Chevalier
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Saas-Fee is a great choice if you are looking for a sustainable ski resort suitable for beginners. Located in the Swiss Alps, close to the Italian border, this car-free resort won’t disappoint. It is easily accessible by rail, meaning you can travel there more sustainably than flying. The resort also offers electric buses that connect guests across the resort and to surrounding areas.
A similar trait to other top sustainable ski resorts in Europe is the innovative use of geothermal waters in spas across the resort.
In 2021, the resort was awarded the Energistadt Gold Label after reaching its goal of implementing at least 75% of its action goal toward improving energy usage and efficiency. Saas-Fee has also been a member of the Climate Alliance since 2024.
Book ski lessons in Saas Fee
Val d’Isère, France
Val d’Isère is one of Europe’s most sustainable ski resorts. Over the years, the resort has implemented a carbon mitigating strategy to help curb its CO₂ emissions and it strives to continue reducing this until it becomes net zero.
For winter 2024-2025, the resort introduced its first electric bus fleet to shuttle guests. Val d’Isère powers all the lifts from renewable energy and runs all the piste bashers on hydrogenated vegetable oil.
The resort has embraced using local resources to help develop tourism attractions such as The Lost Forest, a forest immersion area, where walkways between the trees have been built using local wood. Not only does this project aim to create awareness of the local biodiversity, but it also creates an alternative attraction close to nature.
These changes have helped the resort gain a reputation over the years for its efforts, which began shortly before 2016, when Val d’Isère received a Green Globe certification.
Book ski lessons in Val d’Isère
Lech-Zurs, Austria
Lech-Zurs, Austria, is located in the heart of the Austrian Alps in the Arlberg ski area. Primarily known as a luxury ski resort for the rich and famous, Lech is a hotspot for sustainable tourism. With a resort limit of just 10,000 guests at a time, it has discouraged over-tourism since the 1960s.
The resort has preserved its agricultural history while supporting local farmers and businesses by encouraging restaurants to serve local and seasonal produce on their menus.
Lech-Zurs also uses renewable biomass heating systems across 98% of households and businesses, primarily using locally sourced wood chips.
Book ski lessons in Lech
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s top ski resorts, known for its outstanding Alpine scenery and strong commitment to sustainability. Located at the foot of the Matterhorn, the car-free resort encourages visitors to arrive by train rather than fly or drive. Vehicles are limited within the town and the primary form of transport is mini-electric buses.
Piste bashers have been converted to run on sulfur-free “eco-speed” diesel, reducing carbon monoxide emissions by 11%. At the 3S cableway station, solar panels generate power equivalent to 35 households, cutting 23.4 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
Many buildings, such as The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, at 3,883 metres, rely entirely on solar energy for heating, lighting and ventilation. Zermatt also prioritises “renaturation”, removing outdated infrastructure and restoring natural landscapes. Decommissioned cables, replaced every seven to 15 years, are repurposed in Myanmar for bridge construction, further reinforcing the resort’s dedication to environmental responsibility.
Book ski lessons in Zermatt
SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser, Austria
The SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser ski area in Austria, including the resorts of Brixen im Thale, Ellmau, Going, Hopfgarten, Itter, Scheffau, Söll and Westendorf, is recognised as one of the most sustainable ski areas in Europe and the world! All 83 lifts are powered by 100% renewable electricity, electric car charging points at ski lifts are often free and the resort has upgraded and invested in insulation to help save energy.
Snowmaking in the region is entirely eco-friendly. It uses only drinking water sourced from 16 local reservoirs, which supply 1,051 snow cannons and 829 lances.
Sustainability also extends beyond the piste into the hospitality sector, with all the local restaurants prioritising regional and seasonal produce, cutting CO₂ emissions while supporting the local economy.
Pyhä, Finland
Finland isn’t the first destination that comes to mind when considering skiing in Europe, however, it is at the top of the game regarding sustainability. Since 2008, Pyhä has reduced its CO₂ production by 90% through the use of renewable fuels.
The resort has implemented various rules to help reduce its emissions, such as banning fireworks at events and making the resort car-free, helping them earn the title of one of Europe’s most sustainable ski resorts.
Pyhä is a family-owned resort that cares about preserving the natural landscape and sustainability is a top priority. Taking advantage of its geographical location, Pyhä uses geothermal heat and bio-district heat to keep almost all the properties at the resort warm. This has dramatically reduced CO₂ emissions, making it an excellent choice for sustainable skiers.
If you’re looking for sustainable ski resorts in Europe, these destinations should be at the top of your list!
Skiing and sustainability can go hand in hand, and these eco-conscious resorts are leading the way toward a greener future for winter sports. By choosing a destination that prioritises renewable energy, eco-friendly transport and environmental conservation, you can help protect the mountains for future generations.
To make your ski holiday as sustainable as possible, it’s important to consider every aspect of your trip, from accommodation to ski wear. Find out more on how to be a more sustainable skier.
