Alpine Resorts Sustainability Forum 2005

The Minister for Environment, John Thwaites, MP (left) with Andrew Fairley, Chairman, Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council

The Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council (ARCC) held Australia's first Alpine Resorts Sustainability Forum on 29 April 2005 in Melbourne. Sustainability is good for business and critical to the success of the tourism industry. This forum focussed on sustainability in the context of Alpine Resorts and attracted over 120 participants from NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. Participants included ski lift companies, Alpine Resort Management Boards, other alpine resort managers, planners, management practitioners, accommodation providers, operators and individuals interested in the long term sustainability of the Alpine Resorts.

Auden Schendler Environmental Affairs Manager, Aspen Skiing Company (left) with Andrew Fairley, Chairman, Alpine Resorts Co-ordinating Council

The Forum was opened by the Minister for Environment, John Thwaites, MP. Minister Thwaites emphasised the need for government and the alpine industry to act swiftly to address threats posed by climate change and to adopt sustainable practices to ensure a healthy future for the alpine region.

The keynote speaker was Auden Schendler, Director of Environmental Affairs Aspen Skiing Company. Auden is an expert in his field and Aspen Skiing Company is seen as a world leader in sustainable practices. Auden stressed the need to implement practical steps to mitigate climate change rather than just to adapt to future scenarios.

Auden Schendler, Environmental Affairs Manager, Aspen Skiing Company

Keep Winter Cool', an American initiative that encourages those who participate in winter sports to take their own steps to reduce greenhouse emissions was emphasised as a step towards creating greater awareness of use of resources. This initiative is something that could be adapted to Australian conditions and the resorts were keen to further explore the benefits of 'Keep Winter Cool'.

Professor Graeme Pearman, Chair of Sustainability Science at Monash University, addressed the Forum about climate change and the possible solutions and opportunities it presents for industry to take a lead role in its mitigation.

Auden Schendler Environmental Affairs Manager, Aspen Skiing Company (left) with Professor Graeme Pearman, Chair of Sustainability Science, Monash University

The Forum also focussed on practical implementation of the concept of sustainability and questioned the concept and how it has been implemented. The aim was to stimulate debate, explore new ideas, to step away from complacency and experiment, innovate and change the way we think.

After the Forum, Auden Schendler visited the Victorian resorts of Falls Creek, Mount Hotham and Mount Buller.

The Forum offered Australia's alpine resorts and their stakeholders with the opportunity to hear world renowned experts and think about their vibrant, sustainable future.