Responsible SkiingSo what exactly is Responsible Skiing? It is simply applying the principles of Responsible Tourism to the ski industry - and by that I mean all wintersports tourism.
Many people look at the downhill ski industry and take the view that it ruins the environment, consumes vast amounts of energy and cannot possibly be in harmony with the principles of Responsible Tourism. I disagree. Responsible Tourism must balance environmental protection with economic benefits to local residents and the fact remains that the downhill ski industry has been the saviour of many mountain communities and traditions, halting the depopulation of the mountains that was occurring at the end of the 19th Century. Tourism in ski resorts faces many of the same issues as tourism elsewhere; concerns about development, the social impacts on the community, pressures on transport, infrastructure and the environment and the greater consumption of energy and water and the resulting increases in waste. Yes, mistakes have been made in the past with certain resort developments, however what matters is moving forward and doing what we can now. I believe that wintersports can be managed well and in accordance with the principles of the Cape Town declaration on Responsible Tourism: |
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Responsible Skiing ...
1. Should generate greater economic benefits for locals through local ownership
2. Make for diverse communities with a range of employment opportunities not only in ski operations or accommodation, but handicrafts or farming for example
3. Involve local people in decisions that affect their lives and community and protect the social culture of the community
4. Minimise any negative environmental impacts through careful planning and consultation and make a positive contribution to conservation and the protection of biodiversity
5. Give opportunities to make a positive contribution to the conservation of cultural heritage
6. Provide more enjoyable experiences for skiers by connecting them with the environment, local community and culture
7. Provide access for physically challenged people
1. Should generate greater economic benefits for locals through local ownership
2. Make for diverse communities with a range of employment opportunities not only in ski operations or accommodation, but handicrafts or farming for example
3. Involve local people in decisions that affect their lives and community and protect the social culture of the community
4. Minimise any negative environmental impacts through careful planning and consultation and make a positive contribution to conservation and the protection of biodiversity
5. Give opportunities to make a positive contribution to the conservation of cultural heritage
6. Provide more enjoyable experiences for skiers by connecting them with the environment, local community and culture
7. Provide access for physically challenged people
There are many examples of this throughout the world, indeed there are many mountain communities where all of this is ‘nothing new’ – they have always lived in harmony with their natural surroundings and placed the utmost importance on protecting it. The beauty of the surroundings is why they choose to live there and what they are selling!
I want to celebrate all the good practice out there in the mountains, help skiers understand the issues and how to have a better wintersports holiday and work with companies, organisations and resorts to improve on their contribution to Responsible Skiing.
If you would like to find out more about Responsible Skiing, understand the issues, read case studies and learn some top tips – visit www.ResponsibleSkiing.com
If you want to find a resort where you can have a real winter holiday away from the crowds, enjoying the local culture and natural scenery – visit www.ARealWinterHoliday.com
I want to celebrate all the good practice out there in the mountains, help skiers understand the issues and how to have a better wintersports holiday and work with companies, organisations and resorts to improve on their contribution to Responsible Skiing.
If you would like to find out more about Responsible Skiing, understand the issues, read case studies and learn some top tips – visit www.ResponsibleSkiing.com
If you want to find a resort where you can have a real winter holiday away from the crowds, enjoying the local culture and natural scenery – visit www.ARealWinterHoliday.com