Tremblant has become the first ski resort in Canada to reach the highest level of GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism program.
The Quebec ski resort announced Sept. 17 that it had achieved Level 5 following what Tremblant described as a comprehensive audit based on criteria recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Level 5 is the highest of five achievement levels in GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Pathway.
GreenStep describes Level 5 organizations as industry leaders in sustainable tourism that demonstrate excellence and innovation. Its assessment covers environmental, social and economic areas of a tourism business through roughly 87 questions, followed by a review and verification of supporting evidence.
For Tremblant, the recognition follows more than a decade of formal sustainability work.
“Achieving GreenStep Level 5 certification is a meaningful recognition of the work Tremblant has accomplished in sustainable development over the years.” -Nathalie Dandoy, Tremblant’s director of sustainable development and infrastructure
More Than Recycling and Energy Use
The GreenStep assessment extends beyond traditional environmental programs.
Tremblant says its evaluation covered areas including energy consumption, waste management, protection of natural and cultural resources, employee engagement, community involvement and circular economy practices.
Among the projects Tremblant highlighted are annual greenhouse gas emissions audits, smart thermostats, electric vehicle charging stations, an organic waste sorting facility and a mountain reforestation program.
The resort also maintains environmental management plans for its golf courses that include wildlife and vegetation assessments. Tremblant has worked on improving accessibility in its pedestrian village and operates community programs that include organized cleanup efforts.
Tremblant’s sustainability program dates back more than a decade. The resort says the process began taking shape in 2014, followed by the creation of a sustainability committee and the adoption of a formal charter and action plan.
Before moving to GreenStep, Tremblant participated in an environmental responsibility program operated by Quebec’s Sustainable Industries Council. It progressed through that system before reaching its highest level in 2023.
“We are proud to announce that Tremblant has achieved the GreenStep Level 5 certification, the highest level of recognition in the program and a first for a Canadian ski resort. This certification reflects more than 10 years of concrete sustainability initiatives and marks a new milestone in our commitment to continuously improving our practices and fostering more responsible tourism. By choosing Tremblant, you’re not only enjoying a renowned destination, but also supporting a long-term commitment to sustainability.”
What GreenStep Level 5 Actually Means
GreenStep’s current Sustainable Tourism Pathway assigns organizations a score after an assessment and evidence review. That score determines an achievement level ranging from Level 1 through Level 5.
Level 1 represents the beginning stages of a sustainability program, while Level 5 is reserved for organizations GreenStep considers industry leaders. Achievement levels are valid for three years, although participating organizations must maintain their membership and are reassessed to retain their status.
The GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Standard itself is recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. GSTC recognition means the standard has been reviewed and deemed equivalent to GSTC criteria for sustainable tourism.
Tremblant is not the first Canadian ski resort to participate in GreenStep.
Bromont became the first Canadian ski resort to receive GreenStep sustainable tourism certification in 2024, when it earned a Silver designation under the program then in use. Tremblant’s new distinction is specifically that it is the first Canadian ski resort to achieve the current program’s Level 5 status.
Tremblant Is Also in the Middle of a Major Expansion
The certification arrives as Tremblant is undertaking one of the largest ski terrain expansions currently underway in Eastern North America.
As Unofficial Networks recently reported, Tremblant’s Timber Summit project will add 62 acres of skiable terrain, eight trails and a new high-speed quad when it opens for the 2027-28 season. The resort is also opening a new beginner learning area at Versant Soleil for the coming winter.
That makes Tremblant’s sustainability recognition particularly relevant as the resort grows. New lifts, snowmaking infrastructure, terrain development and increasing visitation all create additional environmental and operational demands.
For Tremblant, Level 5 does not mean that work is finished. GreenStep’s program is structured around continuing assessment and improvement, and the resort says the new recognition will serve as another benchmark as its sustainability program continues to evolve.
