Code of Good Practice: Backcountry & Snow Sports

As part of our commitment to advancing sustainable tourism, we encourage our tourism partners to improve their sustainability performance by providing them with the guidance below.

• Ensure applicable legal permits & permission to access the activity area are in place
• Ensure insurance is in place for guests and team
• Identify health & safety risks, implement management systems, and provide appropriate safety equipment
• Ensure enough team members are available in case of emergency
• Monitor activity area conditions (including weather) in advance & during the activity
• Plan activities to only take place when adequate snow cover can reasonably be assured
• Be familiar with activity area and ensure that navigation and communication tools are in good working order
• Maximize local economic benefits through employment and purchasing
• Avoid single use & disposable items, pack out what you take in, and pick up any rubbish found along the way
• Use eco-friendly products, e.g., cleaning products, ski wax, etc.
• Be waterwise and take pro-active measures to use water sparingly
• Minimize energy used in the activity as part of a climate action strategy
• Provide information in advance about your sustainability actions, activity accessibility, what to expect, and what to bring with
• Screen participants ahead of time to make sure that the activity is well suited to their fitness & level of ability
• Manage group size to minimize impacts on people & the planet, and ensure safe guide: participant ratio
• Obtain written confirmation, e.g., via indemnity, that participants are aware of activity risks
• Brief participants before the activity begins about do’s and don’ts, safety, hazards to be aware of, what to expect, logistics, conduct, group pace and communication, not disturbing / removing flora and fauna, rubbish collection and disposal, ‘winter bush toilet’ etiquette, and rules regarding alcohol and fires
• Share information about local nature & culture, as well as social development / conservation projects that participants may want to support
• Show respect for the land, waterways, wildlife, and other activity area users, including right of way and overtaking considerations
• Avoid sensitive areas, e.g., lakeshores, riverbanks, wetlands, meadows, and avalanche risk areas, and crossing frozen waterways
• If muddy patches are visible (e.g., during shoulder season), stay on snow, where possible, and on the track
• Repair and compensate for any damage caused to the activity area
• Participate in conserving activity area integrity; notify authorities of concerns and participate in rehabilitation projects