Schnee von Morgen

Winter sports are running out of time, but the ski industry is not running out of ideas. Right after ProWinter in Bolzano, the Ski Industry Climate Summit 2026 brought brands, researchers, recyclers and NGOs to the same table to discuss what real climate action looks like beyond glossy sustainability claims. From modular skis designed to be taken apart, to recycled high-performance materials, one message stood out: the biggest lever might be the least glamorous—making skis last longer, proving it with data, and building the systems that keep products in use instead of in storage.

During our mountain adventures, our high-altitude tours - in summer and winter - always take us to the icy glacier regions that are permanently covered in snow. According to the Fauna-Flora-Habitat Directive (FFH Directive), these areas belong to habitat type 8240 "permanent glaciers", which is described as "high alpine zones permanently covered by snow or ice". An extremely inhospitable place - and yet we can certainly speak of a habitat here.

The second article of the series takes a look into the struggles of choosing materials for more circular skis and snowboards, as well as the recycling of equipment at the end of it‘s lifespan.

This article is the first in a three-part series diving into the current state of circularity in the industry, the challenges of recycling skis, and innovative possibilities for the future. But before we get into all that, let’s start things off with a quick guide to circular economy and what it means for snow gear.

The magic words "winter opening" and "start of the season" are enough to make winter sports fans' hearts beat faster. The marketing departments of the ski resorts are broadcasting dreamy winter landscapes and snowy backdrops on all channels. Everything is open again! Optimism is spreading: Winter is here! Skis and snowboards are taken out of the cellar and freshly waxed in anticipation. And then it's time to head up the mountain!

During last year's ISPO 2024 in Munich, over 180 industry experts gathered at the second Ski Industry Climate Summit to work together on solutions for a more sustainable future for the winter sports industry. The event, largely organised by Atomic, was an impressive demonstration of how collaboration and innovation can drive climate protection forward. With a 25% increase in participants compared to the premiere in 2023, the summit proves that sustainability has become a key part for the industry.

The climate crisis concerns us all and is forcing us to scrutinise our actions. At the same time, winter sports are often criticised because of artificial snowmaking, energy consumption and the impact on the environment. So isn't it hypocritical to criticise ski resorts and at the same time enjoy skiing yourself? As passionate freeriders, we have to think about the decisions we make and how we can practise our hobby in the most reflective way possible so that we can continue to enjoy the incomparable days on the mountain with a clear conscience.

Whether for mountaineering, camping or winter sports - the right equipment is crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience in the great outdoors. However, high-quality outdoor equipment can be expensive and if you only use it occasionally, you should ask yourself the question: Buy or rent? The Alpine Club offers a wide range of equipment for rent, from climbing and ski touring guides to equipment and three-day public transport tickets (Innsbruck section).

Education is one of the most important factors in driving social change towards a more sustainable and increasingly fair world. For this reason, Protect Our Winters Austria organises a variety of different climate workshops that are adapted to the respective target group. With the "Mountainsports for Everyone" project, POW Austria has set itself the goal of providing children and young people who normally have little or no connection to mountain sports with low-threshold access to climbing, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding. At the same time, important knowledge and an awareness of the climate crisis was imparted to them through age-appropriate climate workshops.

Martin is a volunteer with "Protect our Winters Austria". In his last guest article, he dealt with moral questions of being constantly confronted with being an active winter sports enthusiast and also an environmentally conscious person. Part of his answer to these questions lies in his commitment to POW, and now it is time for him to introduce "Protect our Winters Austria" and dispel a few preconceptions.

In this guest article, Martin, a volunteer with "Protect Our Winters Austria", explains how he deals with the moral dilemma of skiing. A recurring dilemma that catches up with him and many of us winter sports enthusiasts year after year. Because whenever there are reports of new climate records in autumn, the media discuss the early start of the season, society has long since found the culprits and yet we can think of nothing else but ploughing through the snow as soon as possible, our guilty conscience grows. But the question is, why?

Winters with little snow, maximum temperatures and increasingly expensive lift prices: Does it still make sense to teach your children about your passion for two skis? And if so, what is important?