A common problem in ski areas is the constant building of new developments instead of the refurbishment of existing properties. It might seem cost effective and good for the environment to build a new apartment block, but once it’s finished and only houses a few permanent residents, it’s no longer cost effective and is wasting energy, as well as the materials used to build it. On the flip side, these are usually the buildings that conform the best to energy saving standards, but if you can find a place that’s been redeveloped to conserve heat and water or runs off renewable energy then that’s a good option!

So try and stay somewhere with some kind of green stamp or association, such as a Travelife award or something similar. If a travel company or hotel is doing their bit for the environment, they’ll probably be using it as a selling point, but it always helps to ask!