BETTER TRAVEL CHOICES, FOR YOU AND THE PLANET

But is it possible to travel in a way that future-proofs these incredible landscapes that we love and enjoy? We’ve compiled the best tips to lower the impact of your ski holiday to Switzerland or France, without sacrificing the richness of your experience. 

TRAVELLING TO THE SNOW

Travel accounts for the lion’s share of the emissions (52%) produced by a ski trip to the French Alps. 

Travelling by train is easily the greenest way to go. A train journey typically emits 27x less CO2 than travel by car. In addition to saving carbon, you’ll also save your energy as the train gives space to kick back and relax, observing the towering mountains passing your window (..or a moment to clear the last emails before holiday mode is officially engaged). 

SNCF and SBB trains are pushchair-friendly, making it a practical solution for families. Keep your little ones entertained by locating the family coach with games & entertainment or launch a game of ‘I Spy’ out the window.  

If you’re taking the train from London or another European city, you may need to change in Paris. This is straightforward, but you can make it even easier by minimising the luggage you carry. Packing light is easy if you rent your equipment and clothing in-resort - see the next section for travel hacks on rental. 

TRAVELLING TO THE SNOW - HELPFUL LINKS:

• Eurostar has trains from London to Paris, book in advance for the best rates. 

• Eurostar ski train, running during winter from London to La Plagne. 

• SBB runs direct trains from Geneva to Verbier every weekend. This train arrives right next to the gondola, so you can check into an Emerald Stay or Verbier Exclusive property and hit the slopes. Sunday to Friday, there are a multitude of trains with 1x easy change in Martigny.  

• SBB Luggage Service. If packing light is not in your vocabulary, use the SBB luggage delivery service so you can take the train, unburdened by heavy bags. 

• SNCF offers a comfortable and eco-friendly way to reach the Alps, with French high-speed and regional trains ensuring a seamless, scenic journey to world-class ski resorts—allowing you to skip the traffic and arrive refreshed for the slopes.

GETTING READY FOR SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING

With the pressures of modern life, most of us spend just a week or two in the mountains each winter. If you fall into this category, it’s much more sustainable to rent rather than buy your ski equipment and clothing. For fast-growing kids, rental is a no-brainer, and for adults, rental is a great way to try out new kits on each trip, while reducing overconsumption. 

We are all well versed in renting skis and boots which are widely available in all ski resorts. There’s simply no need to lug 40kg of ski and snowboard equipment on your journey to the Alps when our rental partners offer top-of-the-range gear that will take your skiing to the next level. 

Our new ski clothing rental partner, Cirkel Supply, specialises in the rental of premium ski and snowboard clothing across Switzerland. Cirkel ensures their rental service is of high quality and ultimate convenience: 

Simply choose your outfit on Cirkel’s website from big-name brands like Patagonia and Ortovox. Select your size, add any extras needed (gloves, backpacks, etc), and then forget about it until your arrival in Verbier. 

Arriving at your property, your clothing is waiting. And as you check out, you leave it behind for Cirkel to collect. In between, you’ll look great, stay warm, and enjoy your holiday knowing that you’ve reduced the number of underutilised ski outfits sitting in wardrobes around the world. 

GETTING READY FOR SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING - HELPFUL LINKS:

• Cirkel Supply - Ski Clothing Rental. Order online, and Cirkel will deliver to your door. Try Cirkel’s premium, convenient and sustainable rental service anywhere in Switzerland.

• Verbier - Pre-book your rental on Mountain Air’s website to ensure your rental pickup is a breeze. Your group can also inquire about getting your ski rental delivered directly to your apartment or chalet.

CHOOSING YOUR STAY

Verbier, Switzerland is one of the latest alpine destinations at Emerald Stay. World famous for the acres of exciting terrain, perfect pistes, and breathtaking views, the resort doesn’t need much of an introduction. However, a little-known fact is that all of Verbier’s lifts are powered by 96% renewable energy, they have a modern and energy-efficient snowmaking system, making the resort an excellent choice for the eco-conscious traveller. 

BETTER CHOICES WITH ADDED BENEFITS

Travelling sustainably to the Alps is not just about preserving the beauty of the mountains, eco-friendly choices often enrich your stay. 

By unwinding on the train instead of flying, guests avoid the chaos of airports and significantly reduce their carbon emissions. Likewise, clothing and equipment rental is much more convenient than the linear alternative and provides access to top brands at a fraction of the cost of purchasing. Staying in a resort with progressive policies on sustainable infrastructure helps travellers enjoy an unforgettable holiday while leaving a lighter footprint.