This is the word found on the side of many ski slopes. No this post is not going to be as scary as it sounds. I think people should focus more car exhaust fumes and things than ski resorts. Do you think that skiing should be limited in anyway so it’s safer for the environment? Personally I think that there are much bigger threats to the environment that skiing is such a minor issue. But it still brings a good question to the table. Especially in Switzerland where it is the most popular sport and pretty much everyone does it. And even though there is debate on the effects on the environment and what should be done, the ski industry is definitely not in danger. While this doesn’t really solve the problems it definitely helps. A lot of lifts are also still “t-bars” which don’t require nearly as much energy as a high-speed chair lift. Also if the weather is forecasted to go above freezing then the runs close early. And yes this does make it quite uncomfortable when you go into the bathroom and it’s freezing…but at least it’s something that helps.

A lot of ski places also use solar powered energy. If there’s no snow, then there’s no snow, they don’t make their own. They don’t use snow-blowers like they do in a lot of places in the US. There are a few things they’ve managed to do to help. Since skiing is a huge industry which is one of the main tourist attractions in Switzerland, making skiing more environmentally friendly is very important to the Swiss. And even aside from the trees it can drive animals out of their homes. But think about it trees are cut down to make room for the runs (unless you’re in a natural bowl like the ones in Vail or skiing above the treeline), it takes energy to run the lifts, the snow-blowers, the restaurants on the mountain…basically it does take a lot of energy. When most people are asked about industries that have a negative impact on the environment, skiing isn’t the first thing they think of. But skiing is skiing right? This brings me to an interesting topic for debate which in Switzerland is a big deal: Does the ski and snowboard industry have a negative impact on the environment? It’s warm and slushy and there’s only about 4 runs open depending on where you go. Just to clear it up- it’s not great skiing. This is going to be particularly hard for me this year because in Switzerland you can ski 365 days out of the year. Sadly though, I don’t think little ol’ Tussey will be opening any time soon. This time of year is always most exciting for me because it means snow…and skiing! I’ve been skiing since I could walk so every year when the slopes start to open it is all I can think about. And even though Basel is home and I will always be biased but Christmas time, or just winter in general is great anywhere! Even on College Ave there’s Christmas lights lining the streets. Where the best ones are I do not know but I’ve heard the one in Cologne, Germany is fantastic, the one in Zurich is also not bad and the ones in Freiburg, Germany and Colmar, France are also really nice (and they’re only an hour from Basel too!)Ĭhristmas time is awesome anywhere though I’ve decided. Ok, I know this is turning into a rant about how much I love Christmas but seriously if you ever get to Switzerland around Christmas time, go to a Christmas market! And it’s not just Basel, it’s literally all over Europe. Not like any tree you’d see in Times Square but it is still pretty big and beautiful. And there’s lights put up all over the city too and in the center of the city’s main market is a huge Christmas tree. And the best part is that because the wine is boiled there’s almost no alcohol in it…ok I know that could be a bad thing for some people but trust me when you’re walking around in the freezing cold, the last thing you want is to be really drunk, also because Swiss people will not hesitate to yell at you if you are and that is never a good thing.Įvery year my gifts to my friends and family come from the Christmas market. It’s the perfect drink for walking around outside in the cold. It’s basically hot red wine but they add spices like ginger and cinnamon and oh my it is heavenly. Gluehwein is the greatest Christmas drink ever. And sure they’re filled with typical Christmas things but there’s also clothes and sweets and gluehwein. And I’m not talking two tiny booths with ornaments and food- no, I’m talking wooden booths throughout the entire city. Ok I know this is another trivial type thing but every year in Basel there is a Christmas Market.

Rebecca fink