FIS Is Proud To Release “Mountain 10” - Be A Mountain Hero In 10 Steps

Together with the United Nations, International Olympic Committee, Protect Our Winters and ten International sports Federations whose activities revolve around the mountains, FIS is proud to release the “Mountain 10”.

Mountains are home to 13 per cent of the world’s population and 25 per cent of biodiversity on land. More than half the world’s population benefits in some way from the resources they provide, such as clean air, water, food and energy. In addition, they are the source of unique nature, rich local cultures, and endless opportunities for sport enthusiasts.

And yet, mountain environments globally are under threat. The climate crisis is leading to shrinking glaciers and reducing snow fall, while loss of wildlife, erosion and pollution are affecting mountain ecosystems.

Titled “Be A Mountain Hero”, the 10 steps cover tips on the most sustainable choices that individuals can make before, during and after a mountain excursion. They include actions such as opting for sustainable equipment, choosing “conscious travel” over more carbon-intense modes of transport, sticking to marked routes to protect wildlife, and speaking up for mountains within their local communities.

The checklist will be distributed widely across International Sports Federations, National Olympic Committees, mountain resorts, event organisers, tourist agencies and other organisations engaged in mountain sports.

The 10 steps are modelled on the idea of the “10 FIS Rules for the Conduct of Skiers and Snowboarders” which has become the bench mark for the safety of skiers and snowboarders around the world. The goal with these rules is to achieve the same result but in the area of conservation for mountain environments.

“If we want to continue enjoying the sports we love, we must all play our part in safeguarding the natural environments that they so strongly depend on,” said Marie Sallois, IOC Director for Sustainability. “These 10 steps provide those involved in mountain sports with simple and practical advice on how to protect the fragile mountain environments. This work is part of our efforts to guide and inspire the Olympic Movement – and the broader sports community – to make sport more sustainable. We are delighted to have worked closely with UNEP for the production of this guide.

“Mountains are marked by climate change, nature loss and pollution. It is time to act and protect what we love. We need to create more sustainable tourism to halt, prevent and reverse the degradation of these fragile ecosystems,” said Matthias Jurek, UNEP Programme Officer.

The Mountain Summit Group was launched by the IOC on World Mountain Day 2019. It brings together sports organisations concerned with the current state of the world’s mountains. The group currently includes 12 members, with the aim of assessing and minimising sport’s negative impact on mountain environments, and raising awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving them.

Each of the Mountain 10 steps have been carefully chosen with input from the various bodies participating in the project. The 10 steps are:

1. Choose a greener resort – Research accommodation options with strong environmental policies and practices.

2. Choose better clothing and equipment – Look for sustainably made clothing and equipment and repair wherever possible.

3. Make it reusable – Try to make your whole trip free of single-use plastics.

4. Shrink your travel footprint – Opt for public transport or car sharing wherever possible.

5. Stay on route – Stick to marked trails and established campsites to respect wildlife.

6. Take nothing but photos – Nature looks better on the mountain than in your living room.

7. Leave no trace – Take all your food and rubbish home with you.

8. Keep the water clean – Don’t use detergent or shampoo in rivers or lakes.

9. Buy better, buy local – Support small businesses and mountain communities.

10. Speak up for the mountains – Use your voice to encourage positive change.

For the initial release, the 10 steps are available in English. FIS will be working with the other partners to translate the rules so all stakeholders in snow sports can implement them at their resorts and alpine areas. In addition, further graphics will become available, so stay tuned.