Ecoleader Course: Quebec's Ski Resorts Committed To Sustainable Development

The Association des stations de ski du Québec (ASSQ) is pleased to announce the completion of the first cohort of the Écoleader program. This program, developed in partnership with the specialized firm Ellio, aims to support ski resorts and the ASSQ in structuring their sustainable development approach.

Here are the ski resorts that took part in this cohort: Mont Adstock Recreational Tourism Center, Destination Owl's Head, Gleason, Les Sommets, Mont Grand-Fonds, Mont Rigaud, Mont SUTTON, Ski Garceau, and Massif du Sud Tourist Station. 

Obtaining the ECORESPONSIBLE Certification, level 2. Performance, issued by Ecocert Canada

The ASSQ is proud to hold this certification, obtained in recognition of its ongoing commitment to sustainable development. With this positioning, the ASSQ intends to play a role of reference and support to accompany the ski industry in the transition to responsible and sustainable tourism, while ensuring the sustainability and attractiveness of Quebec ski resorts.

"The ASSQ team has been working with the Ellio team for over ten years to mobilize the ski industry to adopt sustainable practices. This certification is a milestone in our continued efforts to ensure the sustainability of Quebec ski resorts for the enjoyment of all mountain enthusiasts, " says Gabrielle Larose, Director of Strategic Knowledge and Sustainable Development.

The Ecoleader Course offers a unique approach combining training, collaborative work and personalized support. This program is structured around several key stages, including co-creation sessions with participants and individual support to identify actions already deployed, diagnose strengths and weaknesses, and develop a long-term strategic vision. The objective is also to adopt a sustainable development commitment charter specific to each resort, as well as an action plan. In order to support the entire ski industry, a range of tools has been made available, including a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions calculator and best practices for organizing eco-responsible events. This support was made possible thanks to the Ecoleader Fund.

Bringing together 75 Quebec ski resorts, the ASSQ is a non-profit organization that represents and defends the interests of member ski resorts, promotes the practice of snow sports and improves product quality and resort performance. Established in the ski industry for over 40 years, its mandate to develop the next generation of skiers and snowboarders in Quebec is achieved primarily through the sale of financing products such as the Ski Passe-Partout.