The new guide comes after the FIS started a partnership with the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO) earlier this year “to highlight the far-reaching impacts of rising global temperatures on snow and ice.”

The guide introduces 14 initiatives addressing aspects of resort operations, from renewable energy usage to habitat conservation and sustainable slope management.

Each recommendation is presented with detailed explanations and actionable steps, making the report a practical roadmap for resorts worldwide.

Key proposals:

• Installing solar panels on ski lifts to reduce their energy consumption
• Using more green energy
• Optimising energy consumption
• Encouraging skiers to use more sustainable transport by providing shuttles or setting up car pools.

We list all 14 at the end of this article.

Serre Chevalier. Image © PlanetSKI

Resorts are also encouraged to improve snow farming – collecting and storing snow in special facilities so it can be used again the following year.

This would also reduce the need for artificial snow, which can use a lot of energy and water.

“By adopting these 14 key initiatives, ski resorts can pave the way toward a more sustainable snow sports industry,” said FIS.

“Our role is also to provide the whole FIS family with tools that can guide them in trying to reduce their environmental impact,” said FIS sustainability director, Susanna Sieff.

The pathway extends beyond technical operations, encouraging resorts to rethink their services and events.

It advocates for more sustainable accommodation, restaurants, and bars, focusing on energy efficiency, waste management, and carbon reduction.

Additionally, the FIS recommends assessing the carbon footprint of sporting events and prioritising renewable energy to minimise environmental impact, especially for large gatherings.

14 FIS Initiatives:

• Initiative #1: Reduce the Energy Consumption and Carbon Footprint of Ski Lifts
  • Steps include installing solar panels on ski lifts, reducing lift speeds during off-peak times, and powering lifts with renewable energy.

• Initiative #2: Attain 100% Green Electricity Using a Renewable Energy Mix
  • Steps include adopting 100% green electricity, purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), and/or switching to renewable energy providers.

• Initiative #3: Set a Net Zero Goal for 2050
  • Steps include measuring and tracking emissions, then creating an action plan to reduce emissions. For example, unavoidable emissions should be offset, while other emissions can be reduced by improving efficiency.

• Initiative #4: Adopt an Effective Piste Management Plan
  • Steps include implementing a sustainable piste management plan. This plan should include practices like mapping and preserving biodiversity, offering ungroomed runs, and transitioning to clean-energy snow groomers.

• Initiative #5: Conserve Natural Habitats
  • Steps include conserving natural habitats and dedicating and enhancing areas for wildlife protection.

• Initiative #6: Encourage Sustainable Travel
  • Steps include educating skiers on the environmental impact of travel, encouraging the use of public transport, supporting carpooling, offering shuttle services, and providing electric or hybrid vehicle options at the resort.

• Initiative #7: Introduce Snow Farming Practices
  • Snow farming is a technique for preserving snow from the previous season by collecting and storing it in insulated facilities. This reduces technical snow-making demand and allows for an earlier ski season. Steps include assessing terrain suitability, investing in storage technology, using effective insulation materials, and conducting environmental impact assessments.

• Initiative #8: Implement Snow Pump Technology With Lower Emissions and Water Usage
  • Steps include weather forecasting and advanced snow farming techniques to optimize snow production, thereby lowering CO2 emissions and water use.

• Initiative #9: Set Waste Zero Targets
  • Steps include repurposing and recycling materials, starting with a waste audit to pinpoint areas for improvement.

• Initiative #10: Collaborate With Key Stakeholders
  • Any sustainability development plan must involve local communities, landowners, farmers, and skiers. Steps focus on engaging these stakeholders.

• Initiative #11: Design More Sustainable Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars
  • Steps focus on food waste reduction, water conservation, and lowering carbon emissions.

• Initiative #12: Design More Sustainable Accommodation (Hotels, Chalets, and Alpine Huts)
  • Steps include adopting sustainable architecture, energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management.

• Initiative #13: Sustainable Events
  • Steps include conducting carbon footprint assessments, using renewable energy sources, adopting more sustainable snow production and management systems, and minimizing waste.

• Initiative #14: Create a Sustainability Program
  • Ski resorts require a thorough sustainability program that encompasses all aspects of their operations. This program should act as a transparent, practical blueprint, outlining the measures and activities that support sustainability. The initiatives outlined in this guide are suitable to be used to develop such a program.

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