Morzine Ski Holidays | Image: SNO

The ski industry is facing one of its greatest challenges yet: climate change. On May 7, 2025, during the Interalpin trade show in Innsbruck, Austria, a group of major ski resort operators announced the launch of the Global Sustainability Ski Alliance, the first worldwide collaboration of its kind in ski tourism.

The founding members are household names in the mountain world. Together, Compagnie des Alpes in France, KitzSki in Austria, Kronplatz in Italy, Flims-Laax-Falera in Switzerland, Levi Ski Resort in Finland, NZSki in New Zealand, Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal Bergbahnen in Germany, and SkiStar in Sweden operate more than 800 lifts and welcome around 25 million skier visits every year.

Their mission is clear: reduce emissions, modernize infrastructure, and safeguard the future of winter sports.

The Levi “Black Run”| Image: FIS Website

Building a Framework for Change

While many resorts have already taken individual steps toward sustainability, the alliance formalizes a shared commitment and creates a platform for exchanging ideas, data, and strategies. Leaders say the strength of the initiative lies in collaboration.

“As an industry directly impacted by climate change, it is our responsibility to help lead the transition,” said Dominique Thillaud, CEO of Compagnie des Alpes. SkiStar CEO Stefan Sjöstrand echoed the urgency: “The climate challenges are too large to tackle alone.”

The first priorities are electrifying infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and shifting to 100 percent renewable power. Flims-Laax-Falera is already upgrading its systems with a focus on clean energy. At KitzSki, board members Anton Bodner and Christian Wörister have emphasized the need to work closely with suppliers to develop low-carbon technologies that last.

Standardized data tracking will also play a central role. Andreas Dorfmann, CEO of Kronplatz, explained that clear metrics are essential for transparency and accountability across borders.

Flims-Laax-Falera is one of the early leaders in sustainable ski area infrastructure | Image: Komoot

Beyond Environmental Impact

The alliance is not only focused on carbon footprints. Its members are also committed to supporting the communities where they operate. By sharing best practices in measuring social and economic contributions, the group aims to create positive impacts on local jobs, economies, and quality of life.

Henrik Volpert, CEO of Oberstdorf Kleinwalsertal Bergbahnen, put it simply: “We are part of these regions. It is about making sure our impact is positive.”

From New Zealand, Paul Anderson of NZSki highlighted innovation and collaboration as the guiding principles: “Our strength lies in working together, sharing what works, and scaling it.”

Will more ski resorts sign on to the alliance? | Image:Directski

A Turning Point for the Ski Industry

By forming the Global Sustainability Ski Alliance, these resorts are sending a clear message. Sustainability in ski tourism is no longer a distant goal. It is happening now, through shared knowledge and joint action.

The move sets a new benchmark for the global ski community. Whether other resorts will follow remains to be seen, but the blueprint has been drawn.

For skiers, this alliance is more than industry news. It is about preserving the winters we love, ensuring that powder days and alpine culture endure for generations to come. And for those who want to stay connected with the latest ski news, explore resorts efficiently, and track conditions all year, the Shredder app offers the perfect way to experience the mountains with purpose.