Winter holidays have a bad reputation for their effect on the planet, what with snow-making machines and all the short-haul flights to the Alps, but as greentraveller's founder Richard Hammond explained in his Responsible Traveller column, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the snow with a clean conscience and minimal environmental impact. The appeal of the beautiful snow-capped mountains of Europe is undeniable, and skiing, snowboarding, ski-trekking and snow-shoeing, amongst other activities, have a magnetism that is hard to resist. Instead of flying, you can reach the pistes of the continent by train in only a few hours using our journey planner, and a special feature on our blog highlights how to have a green ski holiday. We've got plenty of green winter holiday ideas, and below are a selection of the best ways to enjoy the snow this winter without leaving a huge carbon footprint:
Enjoy a scenic Swiss holiday, travelling through snowy mountain meadows, alongside rushing streams and through traditional Alpine villages on board the Bernina Express.
from £470 including rail and hotel accomodation (based on two people sharing)
Experience winter in the Arctic and the thrill of chasing the ‘Tricky Lady’, as the Northern Lights are known. This tailor made short break takes place in Northern Norway based in the Arctic city of Tromsø.
Perhaps the most famous ski-touring itinerary in the world, this is the High Alps at their best. A superb and coveted ski tour, by the time you reach Zermatt you will have climbed and skied through some of the finest mountain scenery in the world.
Visit Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station - 'the top of Europe' and journey around the beautiful landscape of Switzerland by train with a Swiss Pass, as well as visits to Strasbourg and Interlaken.
From £569 (including rail and hotels, based on two people sharing)
An 8-day guided ski touring adventure in the stunning mountain region of Dalarna in north-west Sweden. Accommodation in mountain cabins and mountain stations along the route. Suitable for adults with previous experience of ski touring.
Price in 2010 from £575/person. 2011 dates and prices TBC.
For relaxing but first-rate downhill skiing, the majestic and undiscovered Val d’Anniviers is unbeatable. Here, the 4-star Romantik Hotel Bella Tola offers fittingly elegant accommodation, wonderful cuisine and spa facilities.
From £1,050pp including rail, based on two people sharing
Engelberg offers excellent pistes – and delightful cross-country trails – but what really makes the place is its refreshingly laid-back atmosphere – this is the quiet side of skiing. The 3-star Edelweiss is every bit as relaxed as the village.
From £828pp including rail, based on two people sharing
Nestling beneath the greatest peak in the Alps, the Chamonix Valley is one of Europe's most spectacular places. During the winter months, its snow-clad landscape is perfect for snowshoeing. A chance to get away from the ski-slope crowds.
A 5-day dog sledding holiday in Sweden driving your own team of 4-5 Siberian Huskies. The tour includes a 3-day/2-night dog sledding expedition into the mountains as well as 2 nights' comfortable accommodation at the Husky Lodge.
£1084-£1176/person (6-day New Year tour £1565/person)
7 days or less
28.12.10-02.01.11 (special 6-day New Year tour), 10.01-14.01.11, 24.01-28.01.11, 07.02-11.02.11, 21.02-25.02.11
This specially designed week based in the off-piste mecca of Chamonix will take you beyond the boundary rope, introducing the freedom and excitement of the backcountry. Ski challenging terrain, untracked powder and ascend deep into the mountains.
