Wie Skigebiete und Profis gemeinsam den Weg in eine nachhaltige Zukunft ebnen
Winter doesn’t start on the mountain. The feeling often begins on the way there — when snow-covered forests appear outside the train window or when you step into a quiet, car-free village center. More and more, the journey is becoming part of the experience, and many regions have realised how much potential lies exactly there.
In recent years, an incredible amount has changed. Today, more and more ski resorts are adopting mobility concepts that reduce stress, improve the visitor experience, and significantly lower their carbon footprint. And professional winter sports are demonstrating what modern, sustainable mobility can look like.
Morzine, Avoriaz and Les Gets show how modern resorts are rethinking mobility from the ground up. The AlpinExpress Pass is aimed at guests arriving by train — and makes that decision noticeably more attractive.
Why it works so well:
Around 60% of a ski holiday’s CO₂ emissions come from travel.
Sustainability is presented not as an obligation, but as a benefit.
Benefits for guests:
Discounts on lift passes
Reduced rates on rental equipment
Deals and offers in the resort
Support for the “last mile” from the station to the ski area
For many people, the journey is the most stressful part of their holiday. WinterRail now connects about 100 ski resorts — with optimised transfers, cooperation partners, and direct links to ski buses.
Benefits:
Relaxed travel with no traffic
Direct access to ski buses
Less luggage carrying
Getting into holiday mode earlier
Zermatt and Saas-Fee are two of the most famous car-free resorts in the Alps — and they demonstrate just how transformative smart mobility can be.
Local transport is dominated by:
electric taxis
small electric shuttles
short, walkable distances
The result: tranquility, clean air, and a more authentic winter atmosphere with significantly lower emissions.
The Alpine Pearls network connects towns and villages in Germany, Austria, Italy and Slovenia that share one goal:
A winter holiday should be possible without needing your own car.
How it works:
frequently running ski buses
shuttles between villages, lifts and accommodation
e-carsharing options in the resort
attractive train + transport package deals
In 2023, Oberstdorf received an award in the German competition Sustainable Tourism Destinations in the “Starter” category.
Why Oberstdorf stands out:
“Bus included” concept
pedestrian-friendly village center
strong rail connections
ongoing development of a regional sustainable tourism strategy
The world of elite winter sports is increasingly taking responsibility for its emissions and mobility.
Key facts:
Since 2025, FIS has been publishing detailed CO₂ reports.
Season 2024/25: 3.4% fewer emissions (506,513.7 t vs. 524,238 t).
Goals: 50% emission reduction by 2030, climate neutrality by 2040.
Concrete measures:
Consolidating the North American tour into a single travel block to reduce flights
Volunteers and staff at the Åre World Cup receive discounted train fares and stay within walking distance of the events
These examples show: sustainable mobility works — and it actually makes the holiday better.
What they teach us:
Sustainable travel works.
It makes the holiday more enjoyable.
It is gradually becoming the standard.
Professional sports are sending strong, positive signals.
Anyone who travels climate-consciously today not only protects the mountain environment — they also help ensure that the feeling of a perfect ski day — clear air, quiet snow, freedom between the peaks — can still be experienced tomorrow.
Montagne Verte / AlpinExpress
WinterRail Initiative
Alpine Pearls
German Competition for Sustainable Tourism Destinations – Oberstdorf
FIS CO₂ Emissions Report 2024/25
FIS Sustainability Strategy 2030/2040
Åre World Cup – Sustainability Measures
Sustainability Profiles of Zermatt / Saas-Fee