That's La Plagne

An insider guide to sustainable ski gear

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I'm here to spill the beans on the real scoop when it comes to shopping for ski gear. Trust me; I live in a European ski resort, and I've seen it all. Those flashy new gear guides? They're not telling you the whole story. So, grab a hot chocolate (or a vin chaud!), because we're about to dive into the wonderful world of sustainable ski gear and 6 reasons why you don’t need to replace your ski gear every year. Plus, a bonus checklist to help you make a more informed decision next time you're looking for ski gear.

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1. Durability: Ski gear is built to last

Sustainable ski gear isn't just about being eco-friendly; it's about quality too. High-quality ski gear is designed to withstand the rigors of the slopes. Skis, boots, and bindings should be made from durable materials that can last for seasons if taken care of properly. The same goes for your ski salopettes, jackets and base layers. Good quality ski gear is built to last.

So there’s no need to replace your ski gear every year – let's embrace the concept of gear longevity!

2. Technology: slow and steady wins the race

Unlike some sports equipment, ski gear evolves at a slower pace. Sure, there are updates and innovations, but the core functionality remains consistent for several years. That means that even gear from a few seasons ago can still perform admirably.

And, let's be honest, unless you're Kevin Rolland or Tess Ledeux, do you really need those hyper-designed ultra-new skis this winter? I know I don’t!

So, don't be swayed by flashy marketing – older gear can still rock your world.

3. Personal skill level: tailored to you

Your skill level and skiing frequency should dictate when you need new gear. I hear the question so much: “I’m a beginner skier, what ski gear should I buy?” THe answer is don’t! For several reasons:

Ski gear can be expensive and if you're a beginner, you don’t even know if you like skiing yet. I mean, you will! But it takes time to figure out what sort of equipment you like skiing with. Trust me. When I bought my first snowboard boots, I did not know what I was looking for and bought a pair far too big for me – but they felt comfortable in the shop, right? Wrong – what followed was a winter season of constant foot pain and cramping because my boots were far too big. And I didn’t/couldn’t afford to buy new boots because I’d spent so much on the wrong ones.
Travelling with ski bags and ski gear will cost you extra if you are flying (it’s free if you take the snow train). Plus, if you are a beginner and it’s your first ski holiday, do yourself a favour and travel stress-free and not weighed down by ski bags and boot bags.
Renting in resort: there are so many options in ski resorts, often bundled together with ski lessons for reduced rates and ski deals. So do some research. Plus one of the best things about renting ski and snowboard gear, is that you will get fitted by professionals who are NOT trying to sell you anything. Plus, you can try equipment out and change it up throughout the week. Boots uncomfortable? No problem, take them back. Snowboard too long? Head back to the ski rental shop and switch it out.

If you are a beginner and have got your own equipment, that’s fine. Just remember that beginners may not wear out their gear as quickly as advanced skiers who push their equipment to the max. So embrace gear that suits your level.

And remember, there's no shame in rocking beginner skis even if you're a seasoned pro at après-ski. Spoiler alert: this is me.

4. Maintenance: love your ski gear

Taking care of your ski equipment is key to making it last. Regularly waxing your skis, tuning your edges, and keeping your boots in tip-top shape can significantly extend their lifespan. Plus, it's a great way to bond with your gear before hitting the slopes.

Waxing your skis might seem like a daunting task for beginners, but it's an essential part of ski maintenance that can improve your skiing experience. You can read all about it in my recent blog about how to wax your skis.

Ski clothing also needs TLC to keep it in top condition. A top tip is that you can often just spot clean your salopettes or ski jackets rather than machine washing. If you need to machine wash ski gear, then be aware that washing with normal laundry detergent can remove the waterproofing of your ski gear. So get yourself some waterproofing products to use when you wash your ski clothing. We love NikWax, not only does the clothes washing liquid comes in recycled plastic bottles, but the product itself has good sustainable credentials. Each bottle has eneough for 3 full washing machine loads. So plenty to last you the whole season.

JEN'S TOP TIP: If you are skiing with kids, you absolutely need this. Little kids will get messy and dirty – it’s all part of family ski holiday fun! Rolling in the snow, eating sticky Alpine food like Nutella crepes and hot chocolates with cream. It’s a recipe for dirty ski gear! See if you have a washing machine in your ski accommodation in case you need to wash ski gear mid-week. I never really wash my kids ski stuff if it’s just dirty, but when they were little, they would sometimes have accidents (wee) in their ski gear and then I’d need to wash and dry it pretty quickly.

5. Cost: ski smart, budget better

Skiing can drain your wallet faster than you can say “powder day.” Replacing all your gear annually? That's a surefire way to break the bank. Ski equipment is an investment – so make it last. Spending a bit more on quality gear now can save you heaps in the long run.

But you don’t have to buy new, quality gear. You can check out second hand ski shops and pick up some absolute bargains and those top brands at a fraction of their RRP. Especially for kids. Kids grow out of their ski equipment and ski clothing year on year. So their ski clothing does not get worn out in one ski holiday. Trust me! We live in a ski resort and my kids wear their ski clothing to walk to and from school every day, plus skiing at least 3 times per week. We buy second hand ski suits for them and then sell them on at the end of each year, still in excellent quality.

6. Environmental impact: slopes and sustainability

Replacing ski gear every season isn't just expensive; it's also bad for the environment. Ski equipment is often made from materials that aren't easily recyclable. So, the greener choice is to use your gear for as long as it's functional. Let's help preserve our snowy playgrounds for our kids and all the future generations to come.

BONUS: Before buying new ski gear: your sustainable checklist

Reduce your needs: Do you really need that shiny new gear?
Repair existing ski gear: Fix it, don't ditch it.
Buy second hand: Check out sites like WhoSki.com and EcoSki.co.uk for awesome deals.
Buy better: Invest in high-quality gear that's built to last.

5 sites for finding great second hand ski gear

WhoSki.com: A fantastic resource for pre-loved ski equipment.
EcoSki.co.uk: Your one-stop shop for eco-friendly ski gear.
REI: They have a great selection of used ski gear.
Cirkel Supply Co: Swiss Alps ski clothing rental
Facebook Marketplace: Your local treasure trove of ski gear deals.

5 sustainable ski brands with great credentials

Patagonia: A pioneer in eco-friendly outdoor gear.
Picture: They're all about sustainable style on the slopes.
Mons Royale: For sustainable and cozy base layers.
Rossignol: A classic brand with a commitment to sustainability.
Norrøna: Known for their environmentally responsible gear.

Bonus picks for the ski kiddos and accessories

Reima: Sustainable kids' ski brand for the little rippers.
Panda Optics: Sustainable ski goggles with a vision for a greener world.
Snow Shepherd: Sustainable ski gloves that keep your hands warm and the planet cool.

Conclusion: Thats La Plagne and how to shop skiing

Now that you're armed with some sustainable ski knowledge, go forth and conquer those slopes while making environmentally conscious choices. Remember:

Choose Durability: Quality gear is worth the investment.
Embrace Technology Slowly: Newer isn't always better.
Personalize Your Gear: Pick what suits your skills.

Here's to a winter season filled with sustainable skiing adventures! Let's keep our slopes pristine for generations to come.

See you on the slopes!