Sustainablility Stage
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Protect Our Winters UK at the London Snow Show: Leading the conversation on sustainability and snow
At this year’s London Snow Show, Protect Our Winters UK (POW UK) takes centre stage as the driving force behind the Sustainability Stage, curating and hosting a full programme of talks, films and discussions dedicated to protecting the places and seasons we love. Protect Our Winters UK is a climate action charity rallying the outdoor community to take meaningful action to mitigate climate change. Across two packed days, POW UK brings together thought leaders, athletes, innovators and advocates to explore how the winter sports community can take meaningful climate action from reducing travel emissions to transforming outdoor culture.
The event opens with POW UK’s Adam Raja and Dom Winter introducing POW UK’s mission and its flagship Clean Miles campaign, inspiring attendees to think critically about the impact of travel to and from the mountains. A selection of short outdoor films sets the tone, celebrating the beauty of winter while underscoring what’s at stake as our climate warms.
The morning continues with sessions that highlight collaborative, science-based approaches to sustainability in the mountains. Sarisher Mann from the Sustainable Alpine Tourism Initiative (SATI) presents how cross-sector partnerships are accelerating environmental progress in alpine regions. This is followed by an in-depth session on Carbon Literacy, featuring representatives from the Carbon Literacy Project and Crystal Ski Holidays, demonstrating how education empowers individuals and organisations to take tangible climate action.
Our attention then turns to sustainable travel. Journalist Iain Martin challenges common myths about electric vehicles in “Why driving an EV to the Alps is not as difficult as you think,” showing how today’s infrastructure makes low-carbon travel more accessible than ever. Later, David Smith from Crystal Ski Holidays discusses how expanding train travel options is transforming how skiers reach the slopes, proving that sustainability and convenience can go hand in hand.
The afternoon sessions dive into practical sustainability solutions. Trudy Wilson of Storm Care shares innovations in eco-friendly gear maintenance, while the Culture and Inclusion in the Evolution of Sport panel explores how the outdoors can become more diverse, equitable and welcoming with insights from Technically Doing It and Shred, Eat, Sleep.
As the day continues, Jane Michotte from Snowsport England outlines the organisations new sustainability strategy, followed by an essential conversation on “Changing Slopes: Climate, Safety, and Sustainable Travel.” Ski coach Warren Smith and Dan Elkan of Snowcarbon discuss how climate change is reshaping the ski experience – and what travellers can do to reduce their footprint. The day concludes with the Lost Winters Summit film, introduced by Adam Raja, offering a powerful reflection on what’s at stake if we fail to act.
Day two continues the theme of collaboration and action. Sessions explore everything from gear rental and circular economy models to Olympic athletes championing climate action. EcoSki and Ski Club GB showcase how rental and reuse can significantly cut emissions, while Olympic snowboarders Katie Ormerod and Betsy Shaw share personal insights on the link between sport, legacy, and environmental responsibility.
Corporate sustainability takes the spotlight with Inghams’ Krissy Roe, who explains how sustainability is being embedded into travel operations. The Upcycle Kit session highlights how repairing and re-selling outdoor gear can keep materials in use and out of landfill.
The programme culminates with Austin Grippo from Salesforce, who exemplifies how business and adventure can align to drive climate advocacy showing how corporate leaders and communities can work together for impact. The event closes with reflections on key takeaways, actions, and a shared commitment to protect the future of winter.
Through this comprehensive line-up, POW UK demonstrates its leadership in uniting the outdoor community behind climate action. We are here, collectively on the Sustainability Stage, not only celebrating winter but finding and sharing inspiration for safeguarding it.ports community sees this in real time. The Sustainability Hub at London Snow Show aims not just to inform, but to empower: to inspire visitors to take action locally, in their resorts, in how they travel and gear up, and to push for broader policy and industry change.
