Skiing is built on adapting to conditions. Every seasoned skier knows that reading the terrain, adjusting to unpredictable weather and making quick decisions are part of the sport. Well, right now the industry itself faces the same challenge.

For ski resorts, shorter seasons, disappearing glaciers and extreme weather are as much environmental issues as they are threats to business. Unfortunately, resorts that fail to adapt to changing conditions will struggle with rising operational costs, declining snow reliability and shifting customer expectations.

That’s where the FIS Sustainability Guide for Ski Resorts comes in. Developed by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), this guide provides a clear, actionable roadmap for ski destinations to reduce their environmental impact while securing their long-term viability. It’s a blueprint for the future of winter tourism, and for the resorts that are looking to thrive in a warming world, it’s the best tool available.

A Game Plan for Sustainable Skiing

Ski resorts operate in some of the world’s most delicate ecosystems, therefore, protecting these environments while maintaining a thriving business requires strategic action. The FIS Sustainability Guide lays out 14 key initiatives that resorts can implement to cut emissions, reduce waste and improve efficiency. With the aim of real, measurable progress, each initiative is designed to be both practical and effective, whilst avoiding vague commitments or greenwashing. Some examples are explained below.

• By using a mix of wind, solar and hydropower to run lifts, snow cannons and resort infrastructure, resorts can aim to transfer to 100% renewable energy.

• Optimizing snow management through better weather forecasting, snow farming and lower-emission snow grooming technology to reduce water and energy use

• Revolutionising ski lift efficiency with the integration of solar panels, slowing lifts during off-peak hours and replacing outdated systems with modern, energy-efficient alternatives.

• Improving public transit options, offering shuttle services and incentivizing carpooling to cut down on the carbon footprint of visitor travel.

• Reducing waste through circular economy strategies, from repurposing materials to eliminating single-use plastics in resort facilities.

By using a mix of wind, solar and hydropower to run lifts, snow cannons and resort infrastructure, resorts can aim to switch to 100% renewable energy. Making this switch and adopting more efficient snowmaking techniques can significantly reduce costs, meaning businesses can create long-term savings whilst attracting eco-conscious travellers. A study by Booking.com found that 83% of global travellers believe sustainable travel is important, and they are actively seeking destinations that align with their values. Resorts that take bold steps toward sustainability will be the ones that win over this new generation of skiers and snowboarders.

A Skier might feel as if their holiday only really starts once the boots are clipped and only hurting in the most minimal way possible… but the sport’s sustainability problem starts with how people get to the slopes in the first place. The largest source of emissions in the winter sports industry comes from transportation, with long-haul flights and individual car travel contributing significantly to the carbon footprint of a ski holiday. The FIS emphasises the need for resorts to take an active role in addressing this issue. Expanding train connections and shuttle networks, partnering with electric vehicle providers and encouraging low-carbon travel options can make a significant impact.

Resorts That Are Already Leading the Way

Some resorts have already made bold moves. Zermatt, Switzerland, has banned cars altogether, relying instead on electric taxis and an extensive rail network to bring visitors into the region. This kind of forward-thinking approach is exactly what the industry needs to scale up.

Take Laax, Switzerland, a resort that is rewriting the playbook. Running entirely on renewable energy, Laax isn’t satisfied with small changes; it’s aiming to be the world’s first completely self-sufficient ski destination. That means not just relying on clean energy, but producing enough of it to cover all its operational needs, from ski lifts to snow grooming to resort facilities.

Laax has turned sustainability into a competitive advantage. Instead of seeing climate action as a cost, they’ve embedded it into their business model. The resort has implemented smart snow management, which optimises when and where snow is made, using real-time weather forecasting and high-efficiency snow guns that reduce water and energy consumption. Their infrastructure is built with energy efficiency in mind - green roofs, solar panels and passive heating systems ensure buildings use as little energy as possible.

Even food services are getting the sustainable upgrade. Laax’s dining practices prioritize locally sourced ingredients, zero-waste initiatives and eco-friendly packaging. It’s a full-circle approach, proving that a world-class ski experience and serious environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Meanwhile, over in the US, Aspen Snowmass is tackling emissions from an entirely different angle - by capturing them before they even reach the atmosphere. Their methane capture project is one of the most innovative environmental initiatives in the industry, preventing over 30 billion cubic feet of greenhouse gases from being released into the air. That’s the equivalent of taking over half a million cars off the road for a year.

What makes this project so clever is that it flips the script on what we consider “waste.” Methane, a biproduct of coal mining, is an extremely potent greenhouse gas, trapping 80 times more heat in the atmosphere than CO₂ over a 20-year period. Instead of letting this pollution go unchecked, Aspen has developed a system that traps the methane, converts it into electricity and feeds enough power for 2,400 homes annually back into the grid. This is a business masterstroke. By monetizing emissions, Aspen is proving that profitability and sustainability aren’t opposing forces, really here they’re two sides of the same coin.

Whistler Blackcomb’s micro-hydro renewable energy system has been a game-changer for resort sustainability. Since its launch, the Fitzsimmons Creek hydro plant has been generating 33 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, which is enough to fully power the resort’s year-round operations and significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. By harnessing the natural flow of mountain water, Whistler Blackcomb is proving that clean energy solutions can be both environmentally and financially smart. In an industry facing increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, this model offers a practical blueprint for other resorts looking to transition to renewables.

It’s clear that the future of sustainable skiing looks bright - resorts powered entirely by renewable energy, zero-waste operations and carbon-neutral snowmaking are no longer just dreams but real possibilities. However, achieving these goals is far from simple. Transitioning to clean energy requires significant investment, supply chain overhauls and careful infrastructure planning. Reducing waste means rethinking everything from guest services to resort logistics. But with the right resources and communication, these initiatives have the potential to increase revenue supporting the capital investment required for change

Resorts need expert guidance to implement effective sustainability strategies, measure their impact  and communicate their progress to customers and stakeholders. The FIS Sustainability Guide provides the foundation, but successful implementation requires tailored solutions that take into account the unique challenges and opportunities of each resort.

The future of skiing depends on the choices resorts make today. Sustainability is the new trend for keeping our winters alive.