How can we support mountain destinations in their sustainability initiatives? How can we facilitate their transition to the tourism of tomorrow? What practical measures should be put in place, and how can we ensure they are communicated to the general public?
Sustainable Mountains is a programme run by the Summit Foundation to help Swiss ski lift companies achieve greater sustainability in mountain destinations. Participating companies embark on a process of analysis, followed by the implementation of concrete measures based on a sustainability strategy.
This can be done at destination level by bringing together a number of players such as the tourism organisation and/or the local authority.
Sustainable Mountains is based on a catalogue of around 80 commitments around the themes of sustainability: governance, resource management, preservation of biodiversity and landscapes, climate and mobility, as well as the economic and social responsibilities of companies.
These flexible commitments are themselves translated into simple, practical measures, such as implementing a sustainability strategy, training staff, taking action on the ground to raise awareness among users, reducing packaging in restaurants, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, etc.
A series of workshops showcasing best practice will enable participants to develop new measures and keep abreast of the latest developments.
By taking part in the programme, the partner destinations are first and foremost reducing their impact and structuring their approach to sustainability, but they are also positioning themselves as responsible players by communicating their commitments.
Recognised by "Swissstainable", the new label of the Swiss Tourism Federation, the programme is part of the proof of sustainability that gives access to the label.
Sustainable Mountains is supported by Innotour, the promotional tool of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO, and by the NTN Innovation Booster Living Lab for Decarbonisation (Innosuisse).
