The Corporation Ski & Golf du Mont-Orford has signed the commitment to sustainable tourism by 2030 in order to demonstrate its desire to improve its performance in terms of sustainable development by 2030.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as "tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, meeting the needs of visitors, industry, the environment and host communities”.
Thus, each year, the Corporation commits to measuring and improving its performance in terms of sustainability, in particular by continually adjusting its environmental, social and governance practices. Our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility is rooted in our mission to provide exceptional experiences while preserving our natural environment.
THE 4 PILLARS OF OUR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
We are committed to :
- Govern strategically and continue to implement measures to adapt to climate change in order to ensure the sustainability of the company and provide a sustainable and healthy place for future generations
- Ensure the commitment of our customers, employees and suppliers to all aspects of the Corporation's sustainability, particularly with our sustainable development contracts during events
PILLAR #2
RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT
We are committed to :
- Facilitate sustainable mobility by offering travel alternatives for our customers and employees, using carpooling initiatives
- Opt for sustainable energy alternatives when replacing our current installations and equipment, particularly with new snow groomers that emit fewer GHGs
- Optimize the performance of our snowmaking system to minimize the impact on WATER resources
- Carry out a characterization of residual materials every 3 years and adapt the procedures in place in order to reduce the quantity of single-use products and optimize the sorting performance of residual materials
- Educate our employees and our customers on our positioning and our values relating to eco-responsibility by communicating our actions and decisions and by training our employees
- Improve the eco-responsible performance of our events.
PILLAR #3
SOCIAL FOOTPRINT
We are committed to :
- Govern in a transparent, inclusive and socially responsible manner by setting up advisory committees on different projects
- Ensure and promote diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion within our organization
- Prioritize partnerships with local businesses, artisans and producers to support the local economy and promote fair trade
- Recognize the importance of social economy enterprises in meeting the needs of local populations and their contribution to the dynamism of communities from a sustainable development perspective
PILLAR #4
CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY COMPONENT
We are committed to :
- Regularly organize cultural events, such as festivals, concerts and artistic performances, highlighting the cultural diversity of our region. These events are open to both local residents and visitors, promoting cross-cultural exchange
- Highlight local art through the exhibition of works by regional artists in our facilities and in outdoor galleries to provide increased visibility for local artistic talents
- Facilitate access to the mountains for youth customers in the MRC Memphrémagog
Awards and Recognition
PRIZE OF EXCELLENCE
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
We won the Prize for Excellence in Environment and Sustainable Development at the ASSQ! We are very touched to receive this award which recognizes the vision and scope of the work carried out over the past year in the implementation of our sustainable development strategy and the implementation of our first action plan. The Corporation is committed to training employees, educating customers and raising awareness among our partners. Our implemented policies concern the management of residual materials, procurement and eco-responsible events.
PERFORMANCE +
ICI ON RECYCLE
The Mont-Orford Ski and Golf Corporation has received ICI on recycle certification, at Performance + level!
This recognition is the result of the efforts we have put in place for sound management of residual materials. We are the only ski resort in Quebec to hold this high level, we are very proud and grateful.
Certifications
Certifications and training acquired
GreenStep - Silver certification
Mont-Orford is very proud to have obtained silver level Sustainable Tourism certification. Green Step is a Canadian organization recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) whose criteria meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
It is through a regional approach, along with 17 other tourist attractions in the Eastern Townships, that we are committed to raising the bar on our sustainable development actions and strategies.
Major objective achieved with the Performance mention! We are the only ski resort to have this level and we are very proud. Our entire team was mobilized to obtain this certification, which is a guarantee of performance in residual material management.
OSEDD - Leading organisation (level 3)
On August 4, 2021, the Corporation Ski & Golf Mont-Orford obtained accreditation as an organization committed to sustainable development.
Some employees of the Corporation Ski & Golf Mont-Orford received two days of training given by Sans Trace Canada in order to gradually integrate the principles into the company's decisions and strategies.
Aliment du Québec on the menu
Our Slalom Pub obtained Aliments du Québec recognition on the menu in winter 2024, approving that we source the majority of food from here. We are proud to offer local cuisine!
We have joined TDQ, the solidarity and collective movement bringing together organizations and individuals who are mobilizing to help make Quebec a responsible and sustainable destination.
The ski resort has been rated partially accessible. It is possible to make a reservation with the Fondation des Sports Adaptés for an adapted ski outing. The Foundation's volunteer team supports participants from the beginning to the end of the activity and facilitates movement around the site, both outside and inside the chalet. The leisure support card is also accepted by the resort.
Certifications and training in development
Leave No Trace Canada
In the coming months, the Corporation will raise awareness among its users of the Leave No Trace Canada principles, in particular through the training of our ambassadors during Wednesdays Foodtrucks and La Flambée des Couleurs. Training coming in spring 2024.
ACTIONS to come
We recognize that sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to regularly evaluating our progress, adjusting our practices, and collaborating with our stakeholders to achieve our shared environmental and social responsibility goals. Together, we can build a more sustainable and balanced future for all.
- Reduce by 10% the use of single-use products related to the consumption of meals and beverages in food courts
- Reduce by 95% the use of #6 plastics and replace packaging destined for landfill with recyclable or compostable alternatives
- Improve sorting equipment for the collection of organic materials in areas where they are not yet present
Summary of concrete actions implemented
Eco-responsible policy
Residual materials
Social and Cultural
Democratize access to the mountains
Application of the 3 Rs
Reduction, recycling, revaluation
Communication plan
