There’s a lot to love about the Alps; the delicious food, the dramatic scenery, and there’s so much to do! However, we are increasingly aware of our changing environment and how our holidays impact it. In the mountains, this is noticeable in the ever-warmer winters, driving us to snow-sure resorts. So, when considering your perfect ski holiday to the Alps and how to keep on going for years to come, sustainability and eco-friendly choices will begin to take greater priority. But can you make a ski holiday sustainable? Will a luxury eco chalet sacrifice comfort for the environment?
We hope this blog can positively answer those questions, and inspire you towards eco-friendly holiday choices. Read on to find your dream luxury eco chalet in the Alps, so your next ski holiday is greener than the pistes…
Julisam Estate, Leogang
The first of our eco-conscious chalets can only be described as the crème de la crème of luxury Swiss rentals. There’s a reason Julisam Estate is considered one of the top 5 ultimate luxury chalets in Austria. In a grand, imposing position above Leogang ski resort, the opulent nature is obvious from arrival. And yet, the creator of this chalet also managed to prioritise sustainability in designing Julisam Estate. The result? A lavish 1,800m² private chalet complex for 20 guests that offers one of the best eco-friendly ski holidays in Austria, all just an hours drive from Salzburg.
Sustainability weaves seamlessly into the very fabric of Julisam Estate. The chalet operates entirely CO²-free, relying on a state-of-the-art geothermal heating system, solar panels, and clean energy sourced from Salzburg AG to power its extensive amenities. Thoughtful architectural choices further reduce its environmental footprint; locally sourced alpine marble and timber minimise transport emissions while maintaining an alpine feel. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interiors with natural light, reducing the need for artificial illumination while framing panoramic views. Even the pool and wellness facilities are designed with efficiency in mind, utilizing advanced energy-saving technologies. Julisam Estate considers every detail so that guests have an unparalleled eco chalet experience.
And what of the luxury at this impressive chalet? Well, there is certainly no shortage of extravagant amenities. In the evenings, find yourself serenaded by the self-playing grand piano as you dine, with meals served by the chalets chef and butler. The indulgence continues in the remarkable wellness area, complete with a 14m swimming pool, hot tub, and designer saunas. The chalet’s expansive outdoor spaces invite relaxation, featuring a fire pit for cosy evenings. Meanwhile indoors, the children’s areas, fit with Wehrfritz playhouses and an indoor climbing wall, ensures imaginations are kept busy.
Alpina Gstaad Hotel, Gstaad
From facilities, to service, to exquisite food, this 5-star luxury hotel in Switzerland is outstanding. The Alpina Gstaad is not an average hotel experience. For instance, this luxury ski hotel in Switzerland offers unique experiences such as the Alpina Gstaad silent retreat. During this, you hand in your devices, and experience the stunning Swiss Alps in tranquillity.
The Alpina Gstaad is a luxury Alpine holiday with sustainability at its core. Created to seamlessly integrate local resources into their practice, this luxury eco-hotel blends traditional Swiss produce and materials into an innovative Alpine stay.
Their Michelin Star restaurant, the Sommet Restaurant, takes sustainability in high-end cookery to a new level with a zero-waste menu. Some zero-waste techniques employed include producing flour from stale bread and using over-ripe fruits as pastry fillings. They even use extra herbs to flavour their homebrewed iced teas and gins! Not convinced yet? Well, all the honey at The Alpina Gstaad is from their very own bees (over 350,000 of them)!
Furthermore, The Alpina Gstaad are the first company in Switzerland to receive a coveted Gold certificate for sustainable tourism by Earthcheck. This demonstrates this eco-friendly hotel’s longstanding mission to maximize guest experience while minimising environmental impact. The dream combination. Ever humble, The Alpina Gstaad recognizes that sustainability is not an achievement; the real reward for sustainable practice is enjoying the mountains for generations to come. How wholesome!
Eco Lodge, Chamonix
As the name suggests, the Eco Lodge in Chamonix is an incredibly eco-friendly luxury chalet. Indeed, it has been purpose built with green technologies and is a perfect option if you are looking for an environmentally conscious luxury ski lodge in Chamonix. The Eco Lodge is fully self-sufficient and powers itself through a state-of-the-art renewable energy system. It also has the Flocon Vert certification for properties dedicated to sustainable tourism in the French Alps.
Arguably one of the best environmentally friendly luxury chalets in Europe, the Eco Lodge is also just a gorgeous place to stay regardless. Its stylish interior décor is a blend of modern comforts and authentic ski chalet style. A particularly delightful aspect of this luxury eco chalet is the floor to ceiling south-facing windows in the living area which display a spectacular view of the Chamonix-Mont Blanc valley.
Moreover, Chamonix ski resort itself is a great region if you’re looking for eco-conscious ski resorts. Although it isn’t car free like some – Avoriaz, Zermatt and Saas-Fee – Chamonix has implemented an efficient (and free) electric bus service that can take you along the valley to all the Chamonix ski areas. This works wonders to reduce the environmental impact of Chamonix’s 4.5 million visitors each year. A unique feature to Chamonix is that it is home to the first eco-friendly ski school in Europe: Ecorider. Founded in 2009, it uses all electric vehicles and is partnered with Ripcurl and Dynastar to upcycle their gear so that their ski and snowboarding lessons are as sustainable as possible.
Six Senses, Courchevel 1850
The Six Senses residences are luxury self-catered apartments in Courchevel, and are purpose built with sustainability at the forefront. The whole building operates at 30% reduced energy compared to a less eco-friendly luxury ski chalet or hotel. Furthermore, any extra heat is re-directed through the system for repeated re-use.
For some people, the highlight of a luxury ski chalet are the spa facilities. But don’t worry, there’s no compromise on wellness and relaxation at the facilities of eco-friendly ski chalets. Six Senses recycles all wastewater from their spas, preserving both an exceptional standard of stay and the environment.
Going back to basics, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a plastic bottle in Six Senses. They diligently work to reduce plastic usage wherever possible, using glass as a more sustainable alternative. To further encourage their guests to make green choices, they receive ‘recycling points’ in exchange for returned key cards and ski passes at the reception desk, in order to promote circularity.
A symbol of a healthy Alpine environment, their mountain goat mascot Monty is available to purchase, with all funds going towards their partner charities; One Tree at a Time and Ma Chance Moi Aussi. The former works with Six Senses on a repair scheme, fixing ski uniforms clothing to keep them in circulation. In the first half of 2024, they helped divert 854kg of clothing from landfill. Additionally, the scheme keeps over 80% of donated products in the local economy. The latter is a partnership to support “Empowering Together” in Albertville’s priority neighbourhoods. The program enhances youth well-being, strengthens psychosocial skills, and supports parents, fostering a positive learning environment. At Six Senses, they work not just towards green goals, but also their local community!
Chalet Debussy, Morzine
If you’re looking to plan an eco-conscious ski holiday in Morzine, then look no further than Chalet Debussy. The operator of this chalet, and many of the luxury eco chalets in Morzine, aims to provide the best luxury chalet experience whilst also being kind to the environment. By heating 90% of their chalets with renewable energy, reducing waste by 80%, and running a zero-food-waste kitchen, they are setting new standards for eco-conscious travel.
Their menus prioritise local, seasonal produce, and they incentivise guests to choose greener options, such as train travel and plant-based dining, with discounts. They also actively work with environmental groups like Montagne Verte and the local community to push for sustainable changes in the ski industry. Their vision proves that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand for a greener future in the Alps.
Morzine is leading the way in sustainable ski tourism. As a member of Flocon Vert, the resort promotes eco-friendly travel, with a range of incentives for visitors choosing lower-impact transport. Local businesses focus on local, seasonal menus, to reduce food miles. Morzine also supports four-season tourism, decreasing reliance on winter sports alone. A sustainable summer holiday in Morzine is just as tempting as a ski holiday in Morzine! Morzine is also one of the best ski resorts for vegetarians in France; establishments like Kamado Kitchen and l’Improviste offer plenty of meat-free options!
Whether you’re an “eco-traveller” or not, we hope this blog has proven that luxury eco chalets can be luxurious! If anyone of these properties, or the idea of an eco-conscious ski holiday in general, has appealed to you, do get in touch. Inquire with our expert team of Ski Specialists today; send us an email or give us a call on +44 1202 203650.
