| To be fair, after a very poor start, snow fell later in | | | | eco-friendly then so much the better. Solar and |
| the season and most resorts fared better than had | | | | biomass powered lifts are a new innovation and |
| been feared but even so 2006 will go down as a | | | | watch out for more car free areas in resorts. Better |
| poor season in Europe though much better in the | | | | recycling, less reliance on plastic, less use of chemicals |
| USA and Canada. And if the forecasts are correct, | | | | in snow making and more widespread use of |
| the 'El Nino' effect will bring even better conditions | | | | alternative energy supplies are further examples at |
| across the Atlantic for 2007/8. But what about | | | | the seriousness that some resorts have taken on |
| Europe which still attracts the majority of British | | | | this issue. There is widespread agreement and |
| skiers? There have been worse seasons in Europe | | | | greater awareness that a 'do nothing' policy is just |
| than last year - the end of the 1980's were notably | | | | not an option these days. |
| bad but resorts across Europe are rightly worried | | | | If this also improves the snow conditions, then so |
| that 'climate change' is a serious enough threat for | | | | much the better! For those contemplating a week or |
| them to look at measures to improve their 'green | | | | two on the slopes this winter then it is advisable that |
| credentials.' Resorts at lower altitudes are right to be | | | | they buy a travel insurance policy that covers them |
| worried as a 2 degree C rise in temperature over the | | | | for poor snow conditions. Most travel insurance |
| next century is enough to remove almost a third of | | | | policies offer cover to compensate for lack of snow |
| ski stations across Europe. The Ski Club of Great | | | | (or too much) with the offer extending to bussing to |
| Britain has launched its Green Respect the Mountain | | | | other higher resorts if their resort closes. And whilst |
| campaign to raise awareness on what resorts need | | | | on the subject of travel insurance, do make sure |
| to do to protect the environment but also gives the | | | | that if you find there is little snow and you therefore |
| general public information on which resorts are better | | | | want to try out the bungee jumping on offer, just |
| than others. If this gives resorts the added incentive | | | | check the small print allows you to do so! |
| to improve their practices and become more | | | | |