Ski Resorts Join Forces To Ensure The Future Of Skiing And Snowboarding

Representatives from companies that run ski areas around the world met at INTERALPIN ’25 in Innsbruck, Austria during May to officially launch a Global Sustainability Alliance, which claims to be the first-ever initiative of its kind in the ski industry.

The companies included Compagnie des Alpes (France), KitzSki (Austria), Kronplatz (Italy), LAAX (Switzerland), Levi Ski Resorts (Finland), NZSki (New Zealand), Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal Bergbahnen (Germany), and SkiStar (Sweden, Norway).

Together, they operate more than 800 ski lifts and account for approximately 25 million skier days. The Ski Alliance members say that by joining forces, they can amplify their individual efforts by pooling resources and expertise to take even greater strides in reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainable innovations in ski tourism.

All participating companies have already implemented individual sustainability initiatives in recent years.

Dominique Thillaud, CEO of Compagnie des Alpes, said: “As an industry that is genuinely involved in maintaining stable winter conditions, it is our responsibility to help shape change and play a pioneering role.”

“We are focusing our efforts on the necessary emission reductions to comply with the Paris Agreement in our own operations.”

Stefan Sjöstrand, CEO SkiStar said: “By sharing insights, data and innovations, we can accelerate the actions needed to address the climate challenges facing ski tourism today.”

Levi Ski Resort’s CEO, Jouni Palosaari, added: “With the Global Sustainability Ski Alliance, the industry is strengthening international cooperation, sharing best practices, and jointly finding and developing sustainable solutions to ensure the future of winter sports.”

Key Actions To Drive Change

In light of the urgent climate crisis, the alliance has recognised that the transition is not only about reducing the ecological footprint but also requires changes in business processes – from infrastructure to supply chain management.

This will include working with the cable car and tourism industries in the fields of mobility, energy consumption, sustainability, and research & development. Another key focus of the members is the modernisation of infrastructure.

The alliance is also committed to strengthening local communities, taking on social and regional responsibility alongside environmental protection.

“We want to demonstrate how sustainable tourism works in practice – economically viable, environmentally effective, and socially responsible”, explained Henrik Volpert, CEO of OK Bergbahnen

Through a structured, data-driven approach and broad coalition, the members of the Global Sustainability Ski Alliance say they are aiming to send a clear message that sustainable tourism is achievable, measurable, and economically viable.

* INTERALPIN is an international trade fair for alpine technologies held at various worldwide venues. It provides a central meeting place for the winter sports industry. The event combines innovative solutions and the latest developments in fields such as technology in alpine and urban areas, snow management, slope maintenance, the leisure industry and other specialist areas.

Experts from all over the world use INTERALPIN, to exchange ideas, network and discover forward-looking technologies that are revolutionising alpine tourism and urban transport solutions.

This year’s event in Innsbruck celebrated the 50th anniversary of INTERALPIN with a Snow Crystal Gala, which was attended by 650 guests.

For more information on the ski areas covered by the Sustainability Ski Alliance, and the choices of accommodation available in the resorts through Ski Line, click on the following countries

France
Austria
Italy
Switzerland
Finland
Sweden
Norway