Posted on 24 October 2019
A new campaign called Ski Flight Free aims to encourage skiers to ditch flights to the alps and travel by train or car instead. Launched in August 2019, by Iain Martin, a digital marketing consultant, the initiative received a boost, just in time for the 2019 / 2020 skiing season when the Daily Telegraph newspaper recently featured it.
Ian Martin, whose family has already ditched long haul holidays, says the inspiration for the non-profit initiative was his daughter. Quoting market research statistics, their website says travelling by flight can generate up to 7 times more carbon emissions than if skiers jumped on the train instead.
Each person can calculate their C02 emission otherwise called a carbon footprint, and Iain Martin stresses every little helps. So if each individual takes responsibility for reducing their carbon footprint, a great deal can be achieved in a small amount of time.
The Ski Flight Free Campaign
To encourage skiers, Iain Martin’s website will highlight companies and tour agents who offer special discounted promotions for train travel. For example, Alikats Mountain Holidays in Morzine, a company passionate about sustainability have launched their Eco package, in which guests travel by train and receive 10% off their chalet rental price, and complimentary return transfers.
Mountain Heaven is another company, who has opted to give a 10% discount to customers travelling by train instead of a plane. Their promotion came after they heard about the Ski Flight Free campaign.
The website also highlights efforts by resorts to go green. A published article talks about certified places who use 100% renewable electricity. These include the Grand Massif area that first adhered to this practice in 2016, and Paradiski region, who have been using renewable electricity since 2012.
The latest confirmation was Les Sybelles, who this year confirmed their use of renewable electricity for its snowmaking equipment and lifts. Any resorts using renewable electricity generate it from wind, solar, and local hydroelectric plants.
Iain also points out, the common assumption of train travel being more expensive is wrong. People can often find cheaper and better deals and enjoy other benefits like fewer delays, no lost luggage, being able to walk around, incredible views and a more relaxed atmosphere. Sometimes the journey may take a few hours more, but this is a worthy trade to reduce your carbon footprint by up to 90%.
Anyone interested in the Ski flight free campaign can find out more on their website skiflightfree. org or follow them on Facebook.
Also of interest
Beginners Guide to Mountain Resorts: This article looks at popular places to ski in the French Alps including resorts for beginners, with guaranteed snowfall and the three main areas forming a bulk of the industry.
