Sustainable Skiing: Ecotourism in Tremblant

Sustainable Skiing: Ecotourism in Tremblant

ALLIE MURRAY

Mont-Tremblant has long been a go-to destination for skiers and eco-tourism has always been a top priority.

Over the past 20 years, Mont-Tremblant has deployed countless green initiatives, from waste management best practices promoting recycling and composting, reducing light pollution to save energy, watering with untreated water, using free shuttles, off-road vehicles and electric carts, and introducing solar panels and e-car charging stations. The resort also protects the mountain’s ecosystems during development and snowmaking and has implemented a green hotel program while encouraging promoters to host and manage eco-friendly events.

In 2021, Tremblant became the first Québec business to earn Ecocert Canada’s Level 3 certification, which is done by passing all sustainability inspections. Similarly, throughout 2021, they planted 643 trees, offset 90 tonnes of CO2 emissions, and diverted nearly 35 per cent of raw materials. From events to the ski slopes themselves, Tremblant is an eco destination through and through.

"Environmental issues are certainly a high priority for Tremblant, and it is important to educate employees, visitors and children about environmentally friendly practices that extend well beyond our installations,” said Felix Burke, Responsible for Public Relations. "Nature is intrinsic to all of our happiness and, as we help our visitors experience its rejuvenating qualities on the mountain, it is important to take responsibility for its well-being for posterity."

Tremblant is working towards continuously pursuing its green initiative, installing 20 new electric charging stations in the parking lots—10 this year, and 10 in 2024.

ON THE SLOPES

Every year, Tremblant uses 1.3 million cubic metres of water to mechanically produce snow, which is the equivalent of 430 Olympic size swimming pools. To create this snow as responsibly as possible, Tremblant uses water sources Lac Tremblant and the

Rivière-du-Diable, with 80 per cent of water returning to its source with the spring melt.

Tremblant sits at 875 metres and offers a breathtaking view of the Laurentians. On the hill, there are 102 ski trails, four slopes, 14 lifts and 305 skiable hectares. The ski slopes appeal to skiers of all abilities, from total beginner to extreme skier.

IN THE SUMMER

Tremblant is open to tourists year round—welcoming visitors to the golf courses, hiking, swimming in beautiful Lac Tremblant, walking the pedestrian village and more.

For a sustainable stay yearround, many of the resort hotels offer a green program, which helps to preserve the mountain’s natural resources. Some examples include recycling initiatives, phosphatefree and environmentally friendly cleaning products, and unfinished soaps sent to the non-profit organization Clean the World, which recycles the soaps and delivers them to people in need around the world.

THINGS TO DO

Tremblant isn't just for the skiers of the family—it is also an exciting cultural destination, and the eco-tourism efforts are not lost on this side of Tremblant. The Tremblant International Blues Festival was qualified for Level 3 Responsible Event Management Certification, which recognizes its efforts to become an eco-responsible event. The event worked with local suppliers to limit greenhouse gas emissions, promoted the event digitally, and much more. The dates for next year's Blues Festival are still to come, but expect mid-summer 2023.