With the environmental impact of our travel choices being more prevalent in recent years, more and more people are turning to eco-friendly options to ensure that their holiday choices don’t cost us our earth.
Ski resorts such as Serre Chevalier are leading the way in sustainability this season, as they aim to have 30% renewable electric power by next year. Earlier this year, the resort’s first hydro-electric turbine was installed, with production starting in the spring of 2022 and a second turbine will begin working in the spring of next year. Additionally, in a bid to improve energy efficiency on the slopes, there is the movement to adapt the speed of ski lifts to cut energy use and new, lower-energy lifts are under construction in the area.
Ski Solutions offers skiers sustainable options for their next holiday in the mountains; from eco-friendly accommodation options, to train travel or self-drive packages, Ski Solutions can tailor-make the ultimate sustainable winter getaway.
Train travel packages
Travelling by train to the Alps is a fantastic alternative to flying and can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 90% compared to flying. Ski Solutions offers train travel packages for those looking for a more eco-friendly mode of transport for their next ski holiday, with a range of accommodation options in a selection of resorts.
For more information on train travel packages, please visit www.skisolutions.com/ski-train-packages
Chalet Skadi – Val d’Isère, France
Val d’Isère’s new luxury apartments, Chalet Skadi, are the epitome of stylish-slopeside luxury. Finished to a high specification and with apartment layouts to suit all group sizes, these apartments are spacious, designed to perfection and offer beautiful views of the mountains. Whether guests are travelling as a couple, a family or a large group of friends, these apartments serve as the perfect base from which to explore the famous Espace Killy ski area.
All guests have access to the Spa ‘Les Bains du Montana Chalet Skadi’ which is the perfect, luxurious touch to make guests’ stays as comfortable as possible. The spa provides the perfect spot to soak away the day before guests can immerse themselves in Val d’Isère’s world famous nightlife, shopping and dining scene.
HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay on a self-catered basis at Chalet Skadi, priced from £1,334 per person. This price includes train travel, transfers to the destination and a lift pass. The price is based on four people sharing a two-bed apartment. www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7761
Residence les Fermes – Meribel, France
Les Fermes de Meribel, which sits in a prime position in Meribel village, just 100 metres away from the lifts, is the perfect pick for a self-catering holiday. Each of the apartments are decorated in the traditional Savoyard style, and they are well equipped for guests’ stay, including essentials such as private bathrooms and Wi-Fi. Guests can take in the beautiful mountain views and relax on their own private balconies with a sundowner after a day on the slopes.
On top of this, guests also have access to the indoor heated pool, sauna and steam room, all of which are a very welcome treat after a long day’s skiing. After enjoying the apartment’s luxurious facilities, guests can head out into the resort to enjoy the buzzy nightlife and sample the delicious local cuisine at one of the many restaurants.
HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay on a self-catered basis at Residence les Fermes, priced from £985 per person. This price includes train travel, transfers to the destination and a lift pass. This price is based on four people sharing a two-bed apartment. www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7761
Residence White Pearl Lodge – La Plagne, France
White Pearl Lodge & Spa is the ideal place to stay for families and large groups. Made up of eight stunning chalets, each apartment has been perfectly set up to provide the ideal base for a ski holiday to remember. Complete with amenities such as covered parking, a lounge and a bar, this property still retains a communal feel, but affords guests the luxury of having their own space to relax, too.
Guests are also able to enjoy the relaxation area throughout their stay which is complete with an indoor and outdoor heated pool, a spa with a hammam, sauna, whirlpools, and a gym, perfect for soaking away any aches and pains from a long day on the slopes. With options for groups of all different sizes, White Pearl Lodge & Spa, offers apartments from two rooms for four people to larger apartments for twelve people, so there’s something for everyone.
HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay on a self-catered basis at White Pearl Lodge & Spa priced from £979 per person. This price includes train travel, transfers to the destination and a lift pass. This price is based on four people sharing a two-bed apartment. www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7761
Sustainable Hotels
Ski Solutions feels strongly about protecting the mountains which provide us all with so much joy through skiing. As a result, they have spent time curating a collection of the very best sustainable hotels for their customers. Ski Solutions’ Sustainable Collection offers guests a selection of fantastic hotels which put the environment first and have initiatives in place to reduce their carbon footprint.
Biohotel Hermitage – Madonna di Campiglio, Italy
Every element of Biohotel Hermitage has been designed to ensure that it fits seamlessly into the natural environment that surrounds it. The hotel was built entirely using natural materials and the hotel also has a strong focus on sustainable water consumption and energy saving practices. What’s more, the kitchens cook seasonal, healthy dishes using local produce, and a range of luxurious natural spa treatments using eco-friendly products are on offer to guests.
Being a family-run hotel, every detail in this 25 room hotel has been thoroughly thought through to create a home away from home. Just some of the luxuries that guests can enjoy at the hotel include heated floors, an indoor swimming pool and an outstanding Michelin star rated restaurant ‘Stube Hermitage’.
This is truly a place to unwind and relax in style; the lounge is comfortable and elegant and the hotel has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, so guests can sit back and relax whilst soaking up the spectacular scenery of the Brenta Dolomites.
HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay on a half board basis at Biohotel Hermitage, priced from £1,445pp. This price includes flights and transfers. www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7761
Rocks resort – Laax, Switzerland
Rocks Resort, Laax is a perfect pick for those looking to be environmentally conscious on their next ski holiday, as the property is working towards being fully carbon neutral and self-sustaining. The property has many initiatives in place to make this happen, including Tesla charging stations, sustainable employee uniforms and the use of 100% local hydro-electric power.
With eight modern buildings in total, each apartment within this property consists of bedrooms overlooking the slopes, underfloor heating and an open-plan living area perfect for socialising with family and friends.
The location of this property is also second to none with the buildings having easy access to the various shops, bars and restaurants that are all part of the Rock Resort complex.The location of the apartments makes it a perfect pick for those who want the flexibility of self-catering, but also want the option of being close to amenities. These apartments also offer fantastic ski-in ski-out access, ideal for families. With plenty of activities to choose from for the young and young-at-heart, Laax is the ultimate place to relax and recuperate.
HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay on a self-catered basis at Rocks Resort, priced from £865. This price includes flights and Swiss rail transfers. www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7761
Hotel Le Morgane – Chamonix, France
Hotel Le Morgane in Chamonix is aiming to redefine the traditional skiing accommodation currently on offer, with a far more modern and sustainable approach with longevity in mind. They have begun doing so by installing heat pumps and solar panels with a goal to reach zero CO2 emissions in the near future. The hotel has also been built using only local materials such as slate, granite and wood, further boosting its sustainability efforts
This boutique hotel’s style is distinctly modern, perfect for those looking for something which differs from the traditional Alpine hotels around. After a day carving down the pistes of Chamonix, guests can head back to the hotel to enjoy the wonderful facilities on offer, which include a spa, pool and superb fifth-floor terrace with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
HOW: Ski Solutions offers a seven-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis at Hotel Le Morgane, priced from £1,075 per person. This price includes flights and transfers. www.skisolutions.com / 020 7471 7761
Nova Maldives Wellness Packages
IGLU CRUISES BUCKET LIST VOYAGES: CRUISE OF THE WEEK AND SELECTED DEALS