The Canadian Ski Council and GreenStep launch National Ski Industry Stewardship Program

The Canadian Ski Council (CSC), in partnership with GreenStep, is proud to announce the launch of an innovative National Ski Industry Stewardship Program. This first-of-its-kind initiative is designed to accelerate environmental, socioeconomic, natural and cultural leadership across Canada’s ski industry, ensuring ski areas are well-positioned to thrive in a changing climate while meeting growing expectations from visitors, communities, and governments.

Economic Importance of Snow Resorts in Canada

The ski and snowboard industry is a vital contributor to Canada’s tourism economy, generating billions of dollars annually in direct spending, tax revenue, and local economic activity. Each year, millions of visitors travel to ski areas across the country, supporting more than 35,000 jobs nationwide, particularly in smaller rural communities. As one of the largest winter tourism sectors, snow sports play an essential role in sustaining local businesses and regional economies while also attracting international visitors who reinforce Canada’s reputation as a world-class winter destination. Ensuring the industry’s long-term stewardship capacity is therefore not only an environmental imperative but also an economic, social, and cultural one.

Program Overview

The program will unfold in four key phases to engage ski areas across Canada and equip them with practical tools for action:

1. Workshops with Regional Associations
   Working in collaboration with regional ski associations –  including the Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA), Ontario Snow Resorts Association (OSRA), Association des stations de ski du Québec (ASSQ), Atlantic Snow Resorts Association (ASRA), and the Canadian Ski Council (CSC) – a series of workshops will be hosted to gather insights, identify challenges, and share best practices tailored to each region.
   
2. National Stewardship Survey
   A comprehensive survey will be conducted across Canadian ski areas to capture a national snapshot of current stewardship practices, priorities, challenges, and opportunities.
   
3. Canadian Ski Area Stewardship Playbook
   Leveraging data from the workshops and survey, alongside global best practice research, a Canadian Ski Area Stewardship Playbook will be developed. This playbook will include four regionally tailored toolkits, providing ski areas with actionable resources to integrate stewardship into all aspects of their operations.
   
4. National Training Program
   In 2026, the final stages will focus on the development and rollout of a national training program, equipping ski industry professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to implement the Playbook and drive measurable progress.

A Unified Effort Toward a Sustainable Future

“Skiing is more than a sport – it’s an economic and cultural driver for communities across the country,” said Paul Pinchbeck, President & CEO of the Canadian Ski Council. “Through this initiative with GreenStep, we’re helping ski areas strengthen their businesses, protect the environment, and ensure future generations can share in one of Canada’s winter greatest traditions.

“Ontario snow resort owners and operators have one thing in common—an innate connection to our environment and our communities. Continuously advancing stewardship best practices in our operations is essential to the healthy, enjoyable outdoor experiences we create,” says Kevin Nichol, President, Ontario Snow Resorts Association.

“Western Canada’s ski areas are built on a deep respect for the mountain environment and the communities that thrive around it,” says Christopher Nicolson, President & CEO, Canada West Ski Areas Association (CWSAA). “This national program will help us advance that respect with new actions – sharing knowledge, improving performance, and strengthening the long-term health of our industry from coast to coast.”

“The ASSQ supports a national approach to stewardship in the ski and snowboard industry. While continuing to focus on advancing the efforts of our members in Québec the ASSQ welcomes the opportunity to share best practices and key learning with our colleagues across Canada,” says Yves Juneau, Président-directeur général, Association des stations de ski du Québec (ASSQ).

“The National Ski Industry Stewardship Program is more than an initiative—it’s a commitment to protecting our environment, supporting resilient communities, and ensuring future generations can continue to experience the joy of winter on our slopes,” says Amanda Leopold, Chair, Atlantic Snow Resorts Association.

Angela Nagy, President & CEO of GreenStep, added: “Canada’s ski industry is deeply connected to the natural environment, and we are excited to be a part of creating a program that will give ski areas the tools and support they need to operate based on solid stewardship principles and remain resilient into the future.”

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