The Development of a Sustainability Management System for Ski Areas

Ski areas worldwide are increasingly offering more diverse services and activities. This can lead to significant levels of environmental degradation and social challenges for local communities. This study identifies the key components of a sustainability management system (SMS) for ski areas. Blafjoll ski area, in Iceland, was chosen as a case study. Qualitative personal interviews were conducted with the operators of BlSfjoll and their stakeholders, in order to identify the sustainability issues to be addressed in the SMS. They also provided suggestions regarding what strategies should be taken in order to implement the proposed SMS. A literature review provided a description of sustainability management concerns associated with ski area operation. It also provided environmental management frameworks for ski areas. Existing literature on social management concerns of ski areas, focuses mainly on growth problems and issues related to resort communities. Research findings suggest that a ski area SMS should also address broader community benefits that are potentially associated with the operation, as well as issues associated with visitor enjoyment and safety. The findings suggest that collaborative stakeholder relationship between ski area operators and their stakeholders should be a key component of a ski area SMS. Sustainable management of ski areas can be achieved through stakeholder collaboration with government organizations, non governmental organizations, visitors, and local private businesses. These stakeholders can help the ski area operators to identify and address site specific sustainability issues.