Environmental Choices for Skiers & Outdoor Enthusiasts
Ski Instructor Andy Hassall shares some reflections on a winter of challenging conditions, and discusses some environmental choices for skiers & outdoor enthusiasts.
As I made the drive up from the south-west of England, winding through the Lakes and up the Drumochter pass, it soon became apparent how lean this winter has been in Scotland, especially after the recent thaw. When I checked the White Lady webcam on Cairngorm on the morning of 6th March 2025, and I could see just how much the conditions had been affected.
As a mountain sports leader with five Scottish winters under my belt, I knew that planning a ski trip at the tail end of the season was a bit of a gamble. But I was still hoping for some action in the back coires with friends and a few fun days with clients on the Discover Backcountry Skiing courses at Glenmore Lodge.
However when I arrived at Glenmore Lodge and stood huddled around the coffee machine with some of the team, it became clear that the course I was scheduled to be delivering wouldn’t be able to take place. There just wasn’t enough skiable or safe terrain in the Cairngorms under current conditions. This led me to reflect on something more fundamental. As skiers and outdoor enthusiasts, what environmental choices are we making? And how can we, as a community, make a collective impact?
Car sharing and cutting down air miles
One of the most straightforward ways we can reduce our environmental footprint is reducing the emissions associated with travel. Car sharing is a great solution for this, whether it’s for a weekend of skiing with friends or a day trip to the mountains. It’s also worth considering the carbon impact of long-haul flights for those who love skiing abroad. If possible, we can aim to make smarter choices when it comes to how we get to our outdoor destinations. Reducing our air miles by opting for more sustainable travel methods such as trains or buses.
Making smart gear choices and taking care of what we already have
We all know that skiing and outdoor gear can be expensive, but it’s crucial that we focus on longevity. Taking proper care of the gear that we already have – whether it’s skis, boots, or jackets – can significantly extent its lifespan and reduce waste. When we do need to purchase new items, we should prioritise brands that focus on sustainability. Brands like Rab, for example, are making real steps toward being environmentally conscious with their production methods and materials.
For those who might not be familiar, Rab’s commitment to sustainability is impressive. They’ve made strides in reducing carbon emissions and are committed to using recycled materials in many of their products. You can read more about their sustainability efforts on their website: Planet | Reducing Our Impact on the Environment | Rab® UK
Making smarter gear choices helps us reduce our environmental footprint. It also ensures that we are supporting companies that align with our values and are making efforts to do better for the planet.
Contribute to local efforts to help your surroundings
Beyond our individual actions, it’s important to think about how we can contribute to the larger community and our local environment. Wherever you call home, there are likely many local conservation and environmental efforts that could use your support. Volunteering for local charity projects or conservation initiatives can make a huge difference in preserving the natural spaces we enjoy.
In the Cairngorms for example, the Cairngorms Connect initiative offers several opportunities for individuals to get involved. This includes habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and tree planting. These projects will help maintain and enhance the natural biodiversity and beauty of this iconic landscape for years to come.
You can find more details about these opportunities and how to get involved here: Cairngorms Connect | volunteering opportunities
Be an advocate and spread the word
As we change our own outdoor practices, it’s important to use our platforms and voices to inspire others. Social media, blog posts, and conversations within the outdoor community can be powerful tools for spreading awareness. Whether it’s sharing your sustainable gear choices, encouraging carpooling, or discussing your involvement in local environmental efforts, every bit of advocacy can contribute to shifting the mindset of the outdoor community toward more environmentally conscious behaviours.
It’s all about setting an example and creating a ripple effect. When we share what we’re doing, we empower others to think about their own impact on the environment and consider making small changes in their routines that collectively add up to a significant difference.
Conclusion: the responsibility we all share
As skiers, we are directly tied to the health of the environment. When we head out on our skis, we aren’t only engaging in a sport we love. We’re also participating in the larger story of the natural world and the landscapes we’re exploring. Reflecting on the current conditions in the Cairngorms and beyond, it’s clear that the climate is changing. And as outdoor enthusiasts, it’s our responsibility to adapt and act in ways that support sustainability and conservation.
By making conscious environmental choices as skiers & outdoor enthusiasts – whether it’s through car sharing, taking care of our gear, supporting local conservation efforts, or advocating for change – we can all do our part in ensuring that the landscapes we cherish remain protected for future generations of adventures.
About Andy
I am a BASI-qualified ski coach with 17 years of teaching and coaching experience. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of travelling and guiding in Japan, the USA, Australia, and various European resorts. More recently, I’ve spent the last three years as Head Coach for the Army Medical Services, delivering their Alpine programmes. I am also a passionate ski mountaineer, currently training for a trip to the Lyngen Alps in March and April. Additionally, I hold the EMS (European Mountain Security) qualification and the Snowsport Scotland Mountain Ski Leader qualification, which allows me to lead ski touring adventures with clients – an area I’ve been increasingly involved in at Glenmore Lodge.
