Managing ski resorts: perceptions from the field regarding the sustainable slopes charter

Abstract

Ski resorts, like other outdoor recreational sports facilities, are under the watchful eyes of environmental groups across the nation, and as a result are being challenged to conduct business in a more environmentally friendly manner. The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), a trade association representing about 332 Alpine resorts in the United States and Canada, got together with representatives of the nation's major environmental organizations, government agencies, academia, and other recreational groups and developed a "Sustainable Slopes Charter'. The Charter addresses all aspects of ski resort operations, and provides a framework for implementing best practices, assessing environmental performances and setting goals for improvement in the future. The purpose of this study was to examine the ski operators' perceptions regarding the impact of the Charter on their respective operations. The result of the study indicates that the Charter has created an awareness of the need to enhance the environment through the promotion of environmentally responsible operations in the industry. Unfortunately, several conservation groups believe that the Charter is an apparent attempt at " greenwashing'.