This is a sponsored post.
With a requirement for lifts, pistes and snow-makers, it’s easy to assume that ski resorts come at a huge cost to the environment. Whilst ski resorts do have an impact, new technology, green energy and sustainable transport measures are making resorts more environmentally responsible all the time.
Whilst this makes us feel better about going to a ski resort, the truth is that most of the carbon cost of a ski holiday comes from lodging and transportation. Choosing train travel over flying will go a long way in ensuring the footprint of your skiing holiday remains small, but we also need to make green choices about where we choose to hang up our skis for the night.
Big mountain lodges and luxury chalets with decadent food and the heating cranked-up high, typically spell indulgence, which can equal high impact holidays, but thankfully, due to more eco-friendly companies in the Alps, this is changing. AliKats Mountain Holidays are making sustainable chalet holidays possible in the beautiful resort of Morzine, which is connected to the huge Portes du Soleil ski area in the French Alps.
Here, skiers can enjoy a luxury catered skiing holiday in a stunning chalet with a hot tub, plush bathrooms, comfortable beds and delicious meals prepared by a professional chef, all whilst keeping their green conscience clear. If that sounds too good to be true, read on to discover how AliKats are making snow holidays more sustainable.
Home grown and local food
AliKats’ food has won awards, and making items from scratch and locally sourcing products has played a big part in it. The chef uses local cheese and meat, which tastes better and reduces carbon emissions created by production and transport. In their permaculture garden, they also grow their own vegetables, fruits to preserve, and raise chickens, which means fresh eggs for breakfast.
Renewable energy
AliKats power all of their chalets, office and central kitchen with renewable energy. They are also using air source heat pumps in chalets to generate renewable energy to power radiators and underfloor heating, and generate hot water for showers, baths and taps.
Zero waste
AliKats have a zero waste policy, where waste is measured and monitored, with targets set to reduce waste and divert from landfills and incinerators. The company has taken time to build a network of local partners, specialist repair shops and craftsmen, as well as employing maintenance workers within its team to help repair and extend the life of items used. They limit or avoid plastics by replacing them with more sustainable materials such as bamboo toothbrushes, glass jars and tin containers.
Reducing carbon
AliKats’ have an Carbon Action Plan to ensure they reach net zero in 2022. This involves measuring the company’s carbon footprint by tracking the CO2/CO2e operations the company emit in kg across transport, accommodation, waste, and food provisions; identifying and taking steps to reduce this amount; and mitigating remaining carbon emissions in reputable off setting projects.
Decarbonising transport
AliKats’ have an expanding fleet of electric vehicles operating around resort, and create promotions to encourage train travel to the Alps, via Cluses, Thonon-les-Bains or Geneva stations, to reduce air travel.
Fewer chemicals and toxins
From staff uniforms to cleaning products, garden fertilisers and bathroom toiletries; AliKats make their own or use eco-friendly products with no chemicals and toxins. This is better for the environment and better for guests, as chalet spaces are not polluted by harsh chemicals.
If you’re looking for a luxurious ski holiday in a beautiful resort, why not go one step further and choose an eco-friendly chalet that will ensure your holiday has minimal impact on the stunning mountain environment that makes skiing so special.
Follow AliKats’ Instagram account to discover more about AliKats and how owners, Al and Kat, are honing their skills on sustainable living and creating responsible skiing holidays.