When it comes to booking a holiday at the schoolies time, for many of us it’s no longer just a case of simply picking a destination and booking the flights. The constant media coverage of global warming and the mention of ‘carbon footprints’ means there is much more for us to consider when we look for somewhere to jet off to so as to avoid the guilt that we’ve melted a few more icebergs.
This is where Ski Ici comes in. A Cardiff-based company specialising in ski and snowboarding holidays, what makes it different from the rest is its focus on carbon neutral travel and responsible tourism. And with an emphasis on budget-friendly holidays with a first class service, it’s also an option for those of us on a tight budget.
Unlike companies that organise holidays to expensive resorts overrun by UK tourists, Ski Ici has taken a different approach. The company have lived and breathed the resorts that they travel to, and unlike some tour operators, they offer in depth knowledge and firsthand experience. There is a choice of holiday available too, depending on what type of skiing experience you want to have. For those who are early risers who like to ski in untouched surroundings by day, and relax by night, then Val Cenis is the perfect choice. Or, if you like to party as much as you ski and plan to spend hours perfecting tricks in the snow park, then Valmeinier 1800/Valloire is for you. Either way, you experience truly first-class skiing without the extortionate prices one would find in places such as Tignes or the 3 Valleys.
So far, so standard ski holiday. But this is one holiday that you can go on knowing you’re doing your bit for the environment as Ski Ici is committed to addressing the effects of travel on climate change and what you, the client, can do to help reduce your carbon footprint. By travelling on trains or coaches as opposed to flying, and staying in self-catering accommodation, you not only avoid all the other rowdy tourists, but you experience a much more relaxed and individual trip away.
Obviously climate change is a natural occurrence, yet in recent years we humans have helped to speed up the process with advances in industrial businesses and air travel. By making small changes to the way we live, we can, on an individual level, make a difference to the environment. Being conscious of our travel habits and carbon footprint is a good start.
Prices: £330-550. Info: www.skiici.com