5 golden rules for not polluting in the mountains

The winter holidays correspond to a busy period in the ski resorts. A phenomenon which inevitably has an impact on these fragile ecosystems. Let’s learn to respect them and not pollute when we are in the mountains…

We love the mountain pure and immaculate; so, so that your snow vacation does not have too much impact on the environment, it is easy to follow these 5 golden rules for not polluting in the mountains and limit its impact: they are obvious and should apply everywhere.

Golden rule n°1 for not polluting in the mountains: you will sort your waste

The very first golden rule in the mountains is waste management. No matter where you live, it is essential to focus on selective sorting during your week of vacation.

Most resorts have accommodation close to tri zonesand trash cans/containers intended to collect each of your waste (plastic, glass bottles, household waste, etc.).

If you want to picnic at the top of the slopes or on a hiking trail, don’t treat the mountain like a vast trash can! Your meal finished, keep your waste in your bag and wait until you come across a trash can to get rid of your packaging.

Even better, wait until you get to the bottom of the slopes to sort them!

Smokers, smokers: a little discipline!

If you are a smoker, there is no question of throwing your cigarette butt into the virgin snow. Get yourself a pocket ashtray or a small box that you can use to store your cigarette butts while you throw them away. No waste should be left behind.

Rappel

In the mountains, we find up to 7,000 cigarette butts per day under a single chairliftaccording to the association Moutain Riderswhich organizes slope cleaning campaigns each year at the end of the season.

Remember: 5 minutes to smoke a cigarette, 5 years for the butt to decompose in nature.

Golden rule n°2: to go to a station, carpool or train, you will choose

Going on vacation to the mountains and by car often requires a lot of time, a lot of gasoline, a lot of CO₂. The stations are difficult to accessfrequent traffic jams, and cars often slip when they are not equipped.

Choose public transport © visualgang

So choose the train to get to your vacation spot. Special shuttles are often provided to take you from the station to the station.

If you want to take the car, try to avoid periods of traffic, equip your car well, and carpool. Other people are probably going to the same station as you.

Labeled ski resorts

Some stations make environmental efforts in terms of transport, energy, development, water quality and even waste. These efforts are rewarded and are the subject of a label such as “Flocon Vert”.

Golden rule for not polluting in the mountains n°3: you will recycle your pass

The time of plastic photo package is almost gone. Many stations today choose to switch to electronic package. This takes the form of a card that you slip into your coat. This card contains information relating to the chosen package: for the day, for the week, etc.

© Ms VectorPlus

Once this card no longer works, stations are often equipped withurns which allow you to slip in your package which will then be recycled. Unless you absolutely want to keep your package as a vacation souvenir, don’t forget to slip it into the urn.

Avoid resorts that use snow cannonsbecause they deplete water reserves and pollute with chemicals added to form snow.

Golden rule n°4: in the station, your car, you will not use

Let’s imagine that you have chosen to go to the ski resort by car, in this case, let your car in the garage for the holidays. The resorts are used to the arrival of tourists during this period and often, food, news and local gastronomy stores are located nearby and can be visited on foot.

She is fine where she is! © Rrrainbow

If you want to go to other tourist sites, or hit the slopes of other resorts, find out: there are surely shuttles or bus lines that will take you where you want to go.

Read also: Ecotourism. An eco-guide to ski resorts.

Golden rule n°5 for not polluting in the mountains: you will hike, you will respect protected areas

Are you hesitating between alpine skiing, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing? Choose the last two activities that use the ski lifts little or not at all. These have an impact on the landscape and the environment due to the use and necessary maintenance.

Cross-country skiing, a great way to discover the mountains © ESTUDI M6

But whatever activity you choose, always follow the safety instructions indicated and passable and marked areas. Not only can off-roading be a dangerous activity, but unmarked areas can also be dangerous. protected areas where ecosystems are preserved.

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