Tremblant has reached a new milestone in its commitment to sustainable development by achieving Level 5 certification through GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Program, the highest recognition awarded under this internationally recognized tourism certification program. Following a comprehensive audit based on criteria recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Tremblant has become the first ski resort in Canada to attain this level of excellence.
Tremblant achieves GreenStep Level 5 Certification
GreenStep is a Canadian organization specializing in sustainability consulting, assessment, and certification. Its Sustainable Tourism Program enables organizations to measure their environmental, social, cultural, and economic performance against international best practices while supporting a process of continuous improvement.
“Achieving GreenStep Level 5 certification is a meaningful recognition of the work Tremblant has accomplished in sustainable development over the years. It reflects both the depth of our commitment and the many initiatives we have implemented over time. This certification highlights the progress we have made while encouraging us to continue our efforts and set ambitious goals for the future,” says Nathalie Dandoy, Director of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure for Tremblant Resort.
This recognition reflects the integration of sustainable development across all areas of Tremblant’s operations, from environmental management and energy consumption management to the protection of natural and cultural heritage, the promotion of a circular economy mindset, employee engagement, and community involvement.
Taking Another Step Toward Reconciliation and Cultural Heritage Preservation
The GreenStep certification also recognizes the importance Tremblant places on preserving and promoting cultural heritage, a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. In line with the discussions held with Indigenous Tourism Quebec over the past few years, Tremblant is now a proud associate member of the organization. This membership builds on ongoing efforts to foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures and to develop meaningful collaborations with Indigenous communities and organizations.
This commitment will take on a new form in the fall of 2026 as Tremblant hosts a special two-week event surrounding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. At the heart of this initiative is a new educational awareness trail inspired by the toolkit from the Indigenous organization Mikana (meaning ‘’Path’’ in the Anishinabe language), which will be installed at nine locations throughout the pedestrian village. The experience will also extend to Ziptrek, where 2-by-3-foot interpretive panels will feature the same themes and content. In addition, Tommylee Dauphinais Howard of the independent label Nikamo Musik, founded by renowned Quebec rapper Samian, will perform on Saturday, September 26. This collaboration reflects Tremblant’s commitment to supporting the recognition and visibility of Indigenous cultures while offering visitors a more authentic, inclusive, and enriching tourism experience.
A Natural Evolution of a Journey Started More Than a Decade Ago
Achieving GreenStep certification is a natural continuation of the work Tremblant has undertaken for more than a decade. As early as 2014, the organization established a sustainable development committee, adopted an eco-responsible charter, and launched its first strategic action plan to integrate sustainability principles into its business model.
This approach was notably structured through the Eco-Responsible Program of the Sustainable Industries Council (CID), whose certification is audited and verified by Ecocert Canada, an internationally recognized certification body.
Through a rigorous process of evaluation and continuous improvement, Tremblant successfully progressed through every level of the program:
- 2017 – Level 1: Commitment, marking the formalization of its sustainability approach and governance;
- 2019 – Level 2: Performance, with the implementation of measurable indicators and progress tracking;
- 2021 – Level 3: Optimum, as sustainable practices became systematically integrated into operations;
- 2023 – Level 4: Elite, making Tremblant the first Quebec company to reach the program’s highest level.
This journey has been supported by numerous concrete initiatives across multiple dimensions of sustainability. On the environmental front, these include a residual materials management plan featuring the recent implementation of an organic waste sorting facility, annual greenhouse gas emissions audits, the installation of smart thermostats, the addition of electric vehicle charging stations, and a reforestation program. The golf courses are also covered by an environmental management plan that includes wildlife and vegetation assessments. These actions are complemented by initiatives promoting inclusion and sustainable mobility, such as upgrades to the village sector to improve accessibility for people with reduced mobility, as well as employee and community programs including the Grande Corvée community clean-up and donations to La Samaritaine.
Continuing the Journey with GreenStep
The transition to GreenStep represents a natural evolution of the path Tremblant began with Ecocert Canada. Like the CID Eco-Responsible Program, it is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while incorporating criteria designed specifically for tourism organizations.
The program also benefits from strong regional support. Tourisme Laurentides encourages tourism businesses across the Laurentians to participate in the program in order to promote the adoption of sustainable development best practices throughout the industry. For Tremblant, participation represents another step forward within a broader sustainability movement embraced by the regional tourism sector.
Achieving GreenStep Level 5 certification is a meaningful recognition of the progress made and the many initiatives implemented over the years. It also reflects Tremblant’s commitment to continuously improving its sustainability practices and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Discover all our Major Sustainability Initiatives
