Ski operator invites holidaymakers to build an igloo for their accommodation

Sick of crowded resort high streets, waiting in line for the breakfast buffet and queuing for the first lift? A new eco-challenge has launched that encourages skiers and snowboarders to experience the French Alps differently by escaping the crowds of mainstream resorts – all in an effort to raise money and awareness for sustainable tourism.

The eco-challenge, launched by operator Undiscovered Mountains, involves holidaymakers building their own igloo from scratch in a remote area of the mountains, before spending the night in the wilderness.

“The igloo expedition utilises natural resources and survival skills, allowing participants to get in touch with nature and truly appreciate the Alpine environment,” says Sally Guillaume, director of Undiscovered Mountains.

According to Booking.com’s annual Sustainable Travel Report, 2017 has seen the number of travellers looking to stay in sustainable accommodation almost double in the past year, with 65 per cent of those surveyed saying they intend to say in eco-friendly digs on their next holiday, compared to 34 per cent in 2016.

“Sustainable tourism is an issue which is at the core of everything we do,” says Guillaume.

“We chose to use an igloo expedition for our eco-challenge as we strive to promote Alps-based activities outside of ski resorts, which develop a broader tourism economy in the local area.”

The challenge can be booked as part of a number of Undiscovered Mountains’ winter activity packages and combined with activities such as dog sledding, cross-country skiing, paragliding and ice climbing.

For every group that completes the challenge by successfully building and surviving a night in the igloo, Undiscovered Mountains will donate €50 (￡45) to Tourism Concern, a charity that works to promote tourism that benefits local people in popular destinations as well as providing ethical and fair experiences for travellers.

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“Tourism Concern’s work to promote ethical tourism and campaign against unscrupulous travel companies is admirable,” says Guillaume. “We are delighted to be working together to raise awareness of sustainable tourism and to support Tourism Concern’s work by donating money from the challenge.”  

The igloo experience begins with a guided hike in snowshoes to a remote location. The chosen spot depends on the conditions and how suitable they are for building an igloo – the conditions also affect the building technique used. The group’s expert guide will demonstrate how to construct the igloo and offer advice on creating a safe sleeping spot. Once the hard work is done, guests enjoy dinner under the stars before bedding down for the night in their hand-built ice hotels.

In recent years the question of sustainability has been top of the agenda for many ski resorts, as many move towards greener practices, investing in environmentally-friendly snow making and encouraging companies to help preserve the mountain environment.

In July, Vail Resorts, owner of the biggest ski resorts in the USA, announced an ambitious plan to cut its carbon footprint to zero by 2030. This followed President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States would be withdrawing from the Paris Climate Change Agreement, leading a number of American ski resorts to sign an open letter condemning the decision.

The eco-challenge is only available to people aged 16 and over, and all participants must have a reasonable level of fitness to make sure they can safely trek to the location while carrying rucksacks and supplies.