And the Most Vegan-Friendly Ski Resort Is …
With the southern hemisphere’s ski season upon us, PETA is giving Cardrona Alpine Resort in New Zealand’s South Island an award for being the most vegan-friendly ski resort!
The resort has made an impressive effort to ramp up its environmental initiatives in 2021, expanding its vegan menu to include options like cookie-dough milkshakes, crispy cauliflower tacos, and vegan butter chicken pies. See the full list below.
Protect Winters—Eat Vegan
We all understand that climate change is warming the Earth, but have you considered how it might affect your future ski holiday?
In New Zealand, methane (which is up to 30 times more potent than carbon as a heat-trapping gas) produced by livestock makes up almost three-quarters of the country’s agricultural greenhouse-gas emissions. The dairy industry is also New Zealand’s largest polluter, responsible for 22.5% of the country’s total greenhouse-gas emissions, while sheep used for meat and wool contribute 12.7%.
Modelling by researchers at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research that was based on an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report found that in a “warmer climate change scenario”, snow depths in alpine areas will be reduced to anywhere from approximately 35% to 79% of the current maximum by the year 2090.
Furthermore, the “Environment Aotearoa 2019” report found that a 40% increase in pastureland, coupled with a 70% increase in the national herd size of cows used for dairy, is contributing to the nation’s harmful nitrogen levels, which not only kill river-dwelling animals but also can make drinking water unsafe.
Cardrona’s Groundbreaking Landfill Policy
In addition to expanding its vegan options, the resort implemented a no–landfill bin policy in 2021.
Rubbish bins have been replaced by recycling and composting stations, and all wrapped food items for sale are in compostable packaging. Signs posted around the resort encourage skiers packing their own lunch to do so in reusable containers and to take any landfill rubbish back home.
The same has been implemented at the group’s other ski area, Treble Cone.
Vegan Options at Cardrona Alpine Resort
Base Bar
- Buddha Bowl
- Coconut Chia Pudding
- Everything Butter & Banana Toast
- Mango Turmeric Coconut Yoghurt Bowl
- Multigrain Supergreen Salad
- Organic Noodle Salad
- Vegan Wrap
All of Base Bar’s smoothies and juices are vegan, and there are a variety of vegan cakes and treats in the cabinet. Additionally, its Vegan Milkshakes are available in Cookie Dough, Banana & Peanut Butter, and Chocolate & Maca flavours.
Base Café
- Cauliflower Bites
- Cauliflower Curry
- Falafel Wrap
- Mexican Bean Stew
- Polenta Fries
- Roast Veg
- Spiced Veg Stew
- Vegan Butter Chicken Pie
- Vegan Nacho Pie
- Vegan Salad of the Day
Captain’s Café
- Black Bean “Meatballs”
- Coconut Yogurt and Granola Pot
- Daily Vegan Salad
- Fruit Salad
- Lentil Bolognaise
- Vegan Pizza
- Vegan Sandwich
- Vegan Soup Special
Little Meg Café
Vegan Hot Dog
The Lounge
Vegan Tuna Wrap (Chickpea of the Sea)
The Mezz
- Crispy Cauliflower Tacos
- Fennel, Apple & Kale Salad
- Marsala Mushrooms
- Roasted Red Pepper Harissa Gnocchi
Noodle Bar
- Jackfruit Ramen
- Miso Broth
- Noodle Salad
- Spicy Jackfruit and Bean Bao Bun
- Vegan Teriyaki Tofu Poke Bowl
- Wok Fried Vegetables
By choosing plant-based meals over animal-derived products, we can all help turn down the heat when it comes to climate change.
Aside from the environmental impact, eating vegan is also about kindness. Animals used in the meat and dairy industries are forcibly impregnated, separated from their babies, confined, and savagely slaughtered. Humans can live healthily without harming animals, so why wouldn’t we?
Want help incorporating more vegan meals into your diet? Try our 30-day Vegan Pledge and we’ll help you make it happen.
