These guys have got every base covered - mattresses, linen and towels are 100% organic and bathroom countertops are made from recycled glass. The steel in the building structure is 80% recycled, the roof is made from 100% recycled "Eco Shake” shingles, and even the leather elevator tiles are made from recycled tannery scraps. All electricity is generated via solar, micro-hydro and wind power. Wow. Find out more at www.hotelterrajacksonhole.com.
Photo: Tablet Hotels
These geodesic-dome pods are decked out with plush carpets, comfy beds and Scandinavian-style bathrooms. By being situated on raised platforms they have a much lower environmental impact than permanent structures. The ski lifts are the only motorized systems, and the resort offsets their energy use by sourcing renewable energy. And it looks so fun! Find out more at www.whitepod.com.
Photo: Whitepod
This eco-certified 4 Star resort has more than 40 acres of land featuring beautiful local flora and fauna. To be honest, there isn't much info on its website about why its 'eco', but the independent certification is good enough for us! It's 10 minutes away from the Perisher skitube and 20 minutes to Thredbo, making it a great choice for people who want to access both ski fields. Find out more at www.ecocrackenback.com.
Photo: EcoCrackenback
There are no cars allowed in this resort, as the streets are reserved for skiers and horse-drawn sleigh taxis. The ski-in ski-out lodges are purpose- built to hold snow on the roofs, which acts as insulation and reduces the need for resource-intensive heating. In 2014 Avoriaz won an award for the most innovative sustainable development initiatives, and CNN ranked its Stash run best in the world. Find out more at www.avoriaz.com.
Photo: Avoriaz Resort
Situated in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, Nipika is completely off grid. Being solar powered, all of the eco- resort’s electricity is generated via clean, natural and sustainable means. The majority of Nipika’s heating needs are satisfied by salvaging dead wood and burning it in a central boiler to provide heating to the beautiful timber cabins. Find out more at www.nipika.com.
Photo: Nipika Mountain Resort
So we know this isn't technically a ski lodge, but it was the closest thing we could find to eco-friendly skiing in NZ. It's surprising given NZ's growing eco- tourism industry, so if we've missed something please let us know in the comments! Coronet Peak has been recognised for its 'Sustainable Slopes' initiative - it uses 95% recycled water to make snow, repurposes old material and recycles wherever possible. Find out more at www.nzski.com.
Photo: amped4ski.co.nz
This article originally appeared in The Dispatch, our free e-magazine featuring the latest in ethical style, design and travel.