Shop and flop in France, Ireland's ancient sites, a rewilding project in Yorkshire
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Good evening. One of the big pulls of skiing for those addicted to the mountain high is the unadulterated joy of being in freefall down a slope surrounded by magnificent scenery. There’s a weightless purity to it accompanied by a soundtrack of skis crunching over crisp snow. Except that this winter sport is not so pure after all. In recent years, booking a ski holiday with guaranteed snow has become something of a lottery due to global warming - predictions of snowfall have become increasingly patchy. And the ski industry plays its part - transport, ski lift infrastructure, accommodation, food and equipment all contribute to the eco-footprint of a skiing holiday. “The ski industry is waking up to the need for significant action,” says Dom Winter, head of programmes at the outdoor climate action charity Protect Our Winters (POW) UK. “The status quo is no longer an option.” In our report this week on how to ski greener, our writers look at what ski resorts across Europe are doing to address their carbon footprints - from converting snow groomers from diesel to synthetic renewable fuel, to installing solar ski lifts. But in terms of the overall carbon emissions of ski holidays, mode of transport dwarfs all other factors. And that’s become a challenge in recent years as rail options for skiers have decreased. “We urgently need more direct and regular routes running throughout the season – and more competitively priced tickets,” says Krissy Roe, senior sustainability manager at ski operator Inghams. With that in mind, our writers recommend 10 resorts across Europe that are making efforts to clean up their acts and are accessible by rail.

Andy Pietrasik
Head of Travel

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Story of the week

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How to ski greener - switch plane for train. Read more

 

Our travel picks of the week

1

France | Sleep in a shop: the French town breathing new life into its high street. Read more

2

Ireland | Chieftains, saints and sinners: eight of the best unsung castles and abbeys. Read more  

3

Yorkshire | ‘Change is in the air’: a stay at a rewilding project. Read more  

 

Featured trip

Galway, Connemara and Ireland’s west

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Discover amazing natural wonders and historic sights as you explore the Burren, Galway City, the Wild Atlantic Way and more…

 

In other news

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Spain. Keeping it surreal: my Dalí-inspired art trip to Catalonia.

Read more

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This week's favourite trips

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Krakow
One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Krakow has a spectacular medieval centre and charming castle district to explore.

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Imperial cities of Morocco
With visits to Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, Rabat and Meknes this classic tour is the perfect introduction to this fascinating country.

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Secrets of northern Cyprus
Explore Greek and Roman sights at Salamis and Soli, walled city Famagusta and beautiful Bellapais on this classic tour.

 

Readers tips

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‘I drove to the Alps in my electric car’: readers’ favourite eco-conscious ski trips.

Read more

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Deal of the week

Sicily food adventure - save up to £200pp

Save £200pp on 5 November 2023 departures of this popular tour which includes lots of tastings and a cookery class plus visits to Sicily’s historic highlights. Prices shown include the discount, not combinable with other offers.

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Image of the week

Light over Bodmin Moor - the setting for Louis de Bernières's latest novel.

 
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