Regenerative travel is a new approach to tourism that goes beyond sustainable or responsible travel. While sustainable travel aims to minimize the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and local communities, regenerative travel takes it a step further by actively contributing to the restoration and well-being of those environments and communities. The idea is to leave a destination in a better condition than before you visited.

The key principles of regenerative travel include:

Restoration and Conservation: Actively engaging in activities that contribute to the restoration and conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats. This could involve participating in habitat restoration projects, behaving appropriately to avoid negative interactions with local wildlife, and practicing leave no trace principles.

Community Empowerment: Prioritizing the well-being and empowerment of local communities. This includes supporting local businesses, respecting local cultures, and actively participating in community development projects that enhance social and economic conditions.

Cultural Preservation: Respecting and preserving the cultural and indigenous heritage of the destination. Travelers are encouraged to learn about local first nations, traditions, language, culture and history, while avoiding activities that may negatively impact cultural integrity.

Sustainable Practices: Adopting and promoting sustainable practices in transportation, accommodation, and other travel-related activities. This includes choosing eco-friendly transportation options, staying in accommodations with environmentally friendly initiatives, and minimizing waste generation.

Educational Experiences: Engaging in educational and immersive experiences that promote a deeper understanding of the destination's natural and cultural aspects. This could involve guided tours, workshops, or activities that educate travelers about the importance of conservation and responsible tourism, such as this quiz ;).

Carbon Offsetting and Positive Contributions: Actively seeking ways to offset the carbon footprint associated with travel by investing in carbon offset programs. Additionally, regenerative travelers may look for opportunities to make positive contributions to the local environment, such as participating in community-led restoration or supporting sustainable agriculture projects.

Collaboration with Local Initiatives: Collaborating with local organizations and initiatives that support regenerative practices. This could involve volunteering time or resources to support projects that align with regenerative travel principles.

Mindful Consumption: Being mindful of the resources consumed during travel, such as water and energy, and making efforts to minimize waste. Choosing products and services that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility is also part of regenerative travel.

Regenerative travel aims to create a positive impact on both the traveler and the destination, fostering a sense of responsibility, connection, and contribution to the well-being of the places visited. It represents a holistic approach to tourism that seeks to regenerate ecosystems, empower communities, and enhance overall sustainability.

Why is educating yourself about the community you are visiting important?

Educating yourself about the destination in regenerative travel is crucial. It fosters cultural respect, minimizes negative impact, supports local economies, and enables participation in community initiatives. Informed travelers make responsible choices, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the quality of experiences. Cross-cultural understanding is promoted, encouraging sustainable practices and empowering local communities. Overall, destination knowledge is a key element in creating a positive and regenerative impact on both travelers and the places they visit.

The people of Sun Peaks understand the connection between enjoying the thrill of snow sports and protecting the environment. With more drastic climate change and environmental destruction, we have as much terrain to play on. Advocating for and implementing environmental initiatives are vital in ensuring these mountains can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Sun Peaks has a comprehensive environmental policy covering all areas of the resort. They “are committed to conducting [their] operations in an environmentally responsible manner, by protecting the land and its flora, fauna, and natural processes.” They might be the second largest terrain in Canada, but they were the first ski mountain resort in North America to be certified under ISO 14001, one of the world’s leading Environmental Management System (EMS) standards.

With a systematic approach to the establishment of environmental policies and objectives, ISO 14001 is an EMS developed by the International Organization of Standardization. This system covers everything from allocation of resources, to training, assigning roles, and adjusting procedures as necessary. They operate under a “Plan, Do, Check, Act” framework of continual improvement. This means that since Sun Peaks is now certified, they must follow this framework to continually monitor their environmental initiatives and implement any necessary improvements.