This text is part of the Pleasures special booklet
Training and supporting ski resorts in their approach to sustainable development: this is the whole purpose of the recent Ecoleader course, prepared by the Association of Quebec Ski Resorts and carried out in collaboration with Ellio.
“Every winter we see declining average temperatures with numerous mild episodes,” explains Vicky Angers, director of services at Mont Gleason, a Centre-du-Québec resort. Our activities start later and snowmaking is essential at the beginning of the season. » This observation is shared by many Quebec ski resorts, especially south of the St. Lawrence, to the extent that some are wondering about the future of alpine skiing.
Crisis in sight
According to the Ouranos study Diagnosis of the vulnerability of the Quebec ski system to climate change, the ski season now has an average of 5 to 10 days less per year, and the number of passengers has decreased by 2% in the short term and 6% in the medium term. period. An organization monitoring the effects of these changes notes an increase in winter averages, a lack of snow cover, an increase in winter liquid precipitation, phenomena that should increase by 2050, if the scenarios of expected greenhouse gas emissions are to be believed. A worrying situation when we know the attractive role of ski resorts in the region and the tourist income they generate locally.
Current status
If Mont Gleason hasn’t yet properly structured its operations towards environmental responsibility, the resort is already realizing the need to implement more sustainable measures for its customers to adopt. “We have installed sorting centers for waste, recycling and compost, but we still have difficulty enforcing them,” complains Vicky Angers. The reason why Mont Gleason is one of 9 ski resorts, all regions combined, a member of the first cohort to receive Ecoleader certification, established by the Association of Quebec Ski Resorts (ASSQ) in partnership with Ellio.
“This pilot project first allowed us to organize four online group training courses on different aspects of sustainable development with an emphasis on Quebec standards, then we provided personalized support that adapts to the reality of each station,” explains Gabrielle Larose, Director of Strategic Knowledge. and sustainable development at ASSQ. Each of them diagnosed their practices and pointed out those that could be improved to optimize their carbon footprint and thus pave the way for a sustainable transition. Mont Gleason has focused particularly on its energy consumption and the ecological circulation of its products and services.
Ceveryone has their own reality
Other ski resorts have already established a sustainable development committee, such as Les Sommets, a group of four interconnected Laurentian resorts, Saint-Sauveur, Morin Heights, Sommet Gabriel and Sommet Olympia, in addition to the Sommet Edelweiss in Outaouais. “Even though alpine skiing is our core business, we have already introduced four-season packages,” explains Pierre Charest, senior director of retail sales at Les Sommets. And numerous measures have been taken: sorting centres, local supply, a ban on disposable products or free refills at every station. » But thanks to the individual workshops supervised by Ellio, which are part of the Ecoleader programme, committed stations such as the Sommets stations were able to set ambitious targets supported by an action plan to go further: calculation of greenhouse gases linked to the maintenance of slopes, carpooling recommended for employees, reduction of ticket prices for customers using public transport, etc.
Outlook vision
Mont Gleason, in his action plan, questions the need to modify the slopes for night skiing to reduce his carbon footprint, or even install “Turn off your engine” posters to encourage parents of children enrolled in ski school to turn it off. engine of their vehicle in parking lots. Many more events are to come, including an online training platform project and an employee survey to find out their needs and aspirations.
Sustainable development is not limited to environmentally responsible practices; it is part of a transversal approach at the intersection of environment, economy and social issues. In the Sommets, this issue is key: the stations are already involved with the humanitarian organization Bouc to donate a coat or again with Le pander-manger des Pays-d’en-Haut to donate food. Fundraisers are held, especially for the Martin-Matte Foundation and for Tel-jeunes. Recognition programs are offered to promote the well-being of Sommets employees. In addition, some of its stations invite young schoolchildren to intern at certain Sommets stations in order to prevent early school leaving and promote the employment of people with disabilities.
The Ecoleader program enabled Mont Gleason to obtain the Ecoresponsible level 2 certification issued by Ecocert. Les Sommets have achieved Ecoresponsible level 1 certification, but this year they are very advanced in achieving level 2; All that remains is to hire human resources that will take 100% responsibility for the sustainable development component.
This content was created by the Special Publications team at Obligationrelated to marketing. Writing about Obligation did not participate.
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