Eurostar, SNCF and Thalys to merge?
Exciting plans to merge Europe’s two high-speed operators, Eurostar and Thalys, were released at the weekend. The proposal is for the owners of French National Railways (SNCF) and Belgian National Railways, which between them own a majority stake in both Eurostar and Thalys. The working name for the new reform is the ‘Green Speed Project’....
Global Warming in 577 steps…
There are a lot of graphics that demonstrate global warming and climate change, but this superb and worrying image stands out. I can remember skiing the Vallée Blanche in Chamonix for the first time in 1984…it’s a very different experience today! This photo shows the difference in the Mer de Glacier as shown...
Mountain Heaven offer 10% to Train Travellers
We are delighted to see that tour operator Mountain Heaven have announced that they will be offering a 10% discount to all guests arriving by train rather than by plane. They announced the new offer on their Facebook page on Friday 20 September, to coincide with the global Climate Strike day: The discount will apply...
New Sleeper Train to Austria
Excellent news has reached us from Visit Tirol’s press agency about a new sleeper train to Austria. Skiers can slash their carbon footprint and get extra days on the slopes with a new route to the Austrian Tirol. Eurostar + Alpen Express Travelling from London St Pancras, you start with by taking the Eurostar to...
100% renewable energy for Les Sybelles
French ski resort Les Sybelles have confirmed that they will be using only 100% renewable electricity this season for operating its lifts and snow-making facilities. The certified renewable electricity will come from local hydroelectric generation, as well as solar and wind power sources. The power is provided as part of an agreement with EDF. The...
Why not stopover in Paris?
Although many skiers will want to get to the Alps as quickly as possible, you can of course add a cultural element to your travel by train by stopping in Paris on the way. The concept (courtesy of Snowcarbon) is simple: 1. Take a Eurostar to Paris 2. Stay overnight in Paris 3. Take a...
Why Ski Flight Free?
Climate change represents an existential threat to human life on the planet. The evidence for this has been widely published, but you don’t have to take my word for it. This is what Britain’s most trusted man has to say on the subject: An existential threat to the ski industry Climate change also represents an...
AliKats Flight Free Eco-Package for Skiers
Morzine chalet company AliKats Mountain Holidays have recently announced several initiatives to reduce emissions and improve sustainability. Holidaymakers taking their Eco-Package can save 10% on the total cost of their catered chalet. AliKats has six catered chalets to choose from, including the luxurious Chalet Debussy and Chalet Bizet, plus The View, which was built exclusively for the...
Why I started Ski Flight Free
Ski Flight Free was started by me, Iain Martin. I am a digital marketing consultant in the ski industry and the Ski Flight Free project is completely separate from my work and is not endorsed in any way by my clients. It’s just a personal response. Because recently a schoolgirl forced me to question what...
How Resorts Can Make A Difference
Not every resort will be able to deliver a Ski Flight Free message to the UK. If you’re in the Dolomites or eastern Austria, let alone Bulgaria or Scandinavia, travelling by train is going to be harder. But for most resorts in Europe, there’s plenty to gain by promoting flight free options. Complement your sustainable policies...
How Ski Companies Can Make A Difference
If you are a ski company offering holidays in the Alps, you don’t have to stop offering flights, but you can still make a difference. Ask yourself, how can you help your customers reduce their emissions? Reduce emissions and win business You may have charter flights and a commercial need to fill the seats you...
How Individuals Can Make A Difference
You don’t have to stop taking ski holidays, but if you decide to take one less flight this winter then you will have made a difference. Will flying less make a difference? There are a lot of ways of calculating CO2 per person. Most estimates suggest the CO2 per capita in the UK is currently...
