An eco-friendly family ski trip to Switzerland
We’ve pulled together our top tips for your Easter ski holiday to Zermatt or Verbier. Read on to learn how to make the most out of your family ski trip to the Swiss Alps, while lowering the impact of your trip.
Travelling to the Alps
Most Swiss ski resorts are accessible by train, which is by far the greenest way to travel. A train journey typically emits 27x less CO2 than travel by car. Travelling by train provides space to observe the beautiful landscapes and mountains passing by your window.
SBB runs direct trains from Geneva to Verbier every weekend. This train arrives right next to the gondola, so you go directly to the slopes. Zermatt has good connections from both Zurich and Geneva, that brings you to the heart of Zermatt village.
SBB trains are pushchair friendly. You can keep the little ones entertained by locating the family coach with games & entertainment, or launch an epic game of ‘I Spy’ out the window. Make your train journey even easier by hiring your ski gear in resort, or checking in your luggage with SBB.
Photo: Namuk
Choosing where to stay
Environmentally friendly ski chalets and hotels are rising in popularity. You now have the option to choose accommodation that focuses on waste reduction, and renewable energy and materials.
If you are on the hunt for eco-friendly accommodation in Verbier, choosing to stay at an Emerald Stay property is a trusted option. As a B-Corp certified company, Emerald meets high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. If a hotel is more your thing, Hotel de Verbier is Swisstainble and boasts impressive energy generation and efficiency with its solar panels, heating system and triple-glazed windows.
In Zermatt, Swisstainable certified Hotel Zermama is our first choice. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, warm welcomes and showstopping views of the Matterhorn, Mama’s place is the perfect spot for a winter getaway. The CERVO Mountain Resort uses geothermal energy, and reuses waste heat in the hotel operations.
Photo: Hotel Zermama, Zermatt
Gearing up for the slopes
Now that your travel and lodging is sorted, let’s talk about your ski kit. Most of us spend just one or two weeks in the mountains per year. If you fall into that category, it’s much more sustainable to rent rather than buy your ski clothing. For fast growing kids, renting clothes is a no-brainer, and for adults, rental is a great way to enjoy new outfits on each trip, while reducing the overproduction of outdoor gear.
Simply choose your clothing on Cirkel’s rental platform, confirm your rental dates, and we will deliver the rental package directly to your hotel or accommodation anywhere in Switzerland.
Choosing brightly coloured clothing for your children that is insulated and waterproof is a sure fire way to keep them warm, dry, and really excited about playing in the snow. Here are just a few of our favourite winter clothing outfits for children of different ages:
- 3 - 18 months old - Patagonia Infant Down Bunting
- 1 - 3 years old - Namuk Zack Baby Winter Overall
- 4 - 10 years old - Namuk Mission Snow Jacket and Crusade Snow Pants
- 10 - 13 years old - Picture Olyver Jacket and Time Pants
For renting skis, snowboards, and boots, there are great options in every ski resort. Our favourite for quality products, and great service is Mountain Air, Verbier. Pre-book your family’s rental on Mountain Air’s website, making your rental pickup a breeze. You can also inquire about getting your group’s ski rental delivered directly to your hotel or chalet.
Photo: European Snowsport | Ski instructors
Taking your skiing to the next level
After organising your top-notch ski kit, it’s time to have some fun on the snow!
European Snowsport (ES) offers a weekend club in Verbier for like minded skiers to ride together on Saturdays. You can also book a kid-friendly ES instructor in Verbier, Zermatt, Nendaz or St Moritz so that your little shredders can discover the joys of snowy adventures.
For skiers and snowboarders looking to take their riding to the next level and gain avalanche safety knowledge, ES have experienced instructors who will develop your freeride know-how.
Food & drink
If your little ones are excited to load up on chocolate and festive fun, Verbier is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, 9th March. Register on Verbier Tourism’s website to take part. Zermatt’s Wolli will be hiding Easter eggs around the village, follow @zermatt.matterhorn on Instagram to catch Wolli’s clues on where the eggs are hidden!
Photo: Zermatt Tourismus | Wolli
When looking for somewhere to lunch on the mountain, avoid restaurants using single use plastics. Instead of grabbing something to go in a disposal packaging, aim for a sit down lunch that allows for a proper rest. Le Dahu in Verbier has great menu options for kids, and a sunny terrace to unwind on.
Increasingly, restaurants are working with local ingredients. Some of our favourite places for evening dining serve fresh and local food. Both Zermama Bistro in Zermatt and Fer à Cheval in Verbier fall into this category and offer great options for kids. But if you prefer to book a nanny to look after the little ones while you’re out on a date night, look no further than Petit Verbier.
Photo: Zermama Bistro
