1. Lech, Austria
Austria prides itself on its commitment to the sensitive development of winter tourism and Lech has made a huge investment in a biomass communal heating plant, providing hot water and central heating for 100 hotels and 200 homes. lech-zuers.at
2. Saas Fee, Switzerland
At this Swiss resort, cars are banned and there's a free bus service around town. Saas Fee is also home to several chalets and apartments that have the European Eco-label for their commitment to reducing energy use, recycling and waste management. saas-fee.ch/en/welcome.cfm
3. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
Recognised for the second time as one of Canada's greenest employers, thanks in part to its involvement in the Fitzsimmons Creek Run-of-River project, which produces enough energy to match the total annual consumption of the ski area's operating footprint. whistlerblackcomb.com
4. Alpe d'Huez, France
Recently awarded the ISO14001, the worldwide standard of environmental management. Here there is widespread use of solar panels, biodegradable oil in piste machines and the seeding of grass on mountain tracks. alpedhuez.com
5. Davos, Switzerland
The first ski resort in the Alps to receive status as an 'Energy Town'. Some 35 per cent of its energy comes from renewable power sources and hydro power, and the community is aiming
to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 15 per cent by the year 2014. davos.ch
Richard Hammond is the author of Clean Breaks and founder of greentraveller.co.uk.
