One environmentally-friendly way of reaching ski resorts in Europe is by train.

The environmental impact caused by traveling to ski resorts is generally far greater than any impact made in the resort.

Transportation accounts for nearly 30 per cent of the US’s greenhouse gases, the leading cause of global warming, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Winter enthusiasts alone make more than 57 million visits to U.S. ski resorts each season, according to National Ski Areas Association. Taking a bus, says the U.S. Department of Energy, creates just half a pound of CO2 per passenger mile, compared with 590 pounds per passenger mile for the average car.

A new website launched in the US which concentrates on the key issue. The company behind energy snack Clif Bar has developed the first guide in the US to “green travel” to and from ski resorts.

The Save Our Snow (SOS) website helps skiers and snowboarders find local ski bus services, arrange ridesharing and learn winter driving tips to reduce their carbon emissions.

SOS  is part of Clif Bar’s ongoing Save Our Snow program, which includes a free iPhone App that enables winter enthusiasts to learn what North America ski resorts are doing to combat global warming. The iPhone App also provides skiers and riders with up-to-the-minute snow conditions.

“Global warming is the most significant threat facing winter sports,” said Ricardo Balazs, sports marketing experience manager for Clif Bar and Company. “We want to help skiers and riders rethink how they reach the summit. We all can drive less, have more fun and help save the planet.”

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