Protect Our Winters UK (POW UK) has published the findings of its Clean Miles campaign, highlighting the barriers that prevent outdoor enthusiasts from choosing lower-carbon travel.
Their campaign has been built around a simple principle: the cleanest route to the outdoors should also be the easiest.
Yet for many skiers, climbers, cyclists and hikers, travelling by train or public transport remains more difficult than it should be.
The three biggest barriers identified were:
- The cost of tickets (63%)
- Limited timetables and poor connections to outdoor destinations (57%)
- Difficulties carrying equipment, including skis, snowboards and bikes (47%)
What Clean Miles is calling for
The campaign is urging governments and transport operators to make public transport a genuinely attractive alternative by delivering:
- More space for skis, snowboards, bikes and other outdoor equipment
- Better booking systems and clearer information
- More affordable fares
- Better connections
- Consistent and fair luggage policies across operators
With Britain’s railways currently being brought under public ownership, POW UK believes there is a unique opportunity to ensure the needs of outdoor travellers are considered as the network evolves.
The campaign is also working to influence Eurostar and European rail operators to improve international journeys.
Ski Flight Free joins the conversation
As part of the campaign launch, Iain Martin, founder of Ski Flight Free , took part in a panel discussion exploring the challenges the outdoor community faces when travelling sustainably.
The discussion brought together voices from across the outdoor sector to examine why transport remains the largest part of many adventure sports’ carbon footprint, while also recognising that many people genuinely want to travel more sustainably if practical alternatives are available.
Working together for better journeys
Ski Flight Free is proud to support the Clean Miles campaign because improving rail travel benefits everyone who wants to enjoy the mountains while reducing their environmental impact.
Many of the changes being called for – better luggage provision, simpler ticketing, lower fares and improved international connections – would make travelling to ski resorts by train significantly easier.
If you haven’t already, we’d encourage you to learn more about the Clean Miles campaign and add your support.
Together, we can help make low-carbon travel the obvious choice for the next generation of skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.
