21 January 2025, online. On the inauguration of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025, the Sustainable Mountain Alliance, in collaboration with the Kilian Jornet Foundation hosted a webinar as an official side event of the United Nations launch activities.
The webinar explored how glacier retreat impacts alpine sports such as skiing, alpinism, ice climbing, and trail running and included insights from mountain guides, athletes, scientists, and sustainability leaders.
‘This webinar underscored the profound and urgent implications of glacier retreat on alpine sports and mountain ecosystems. The Sustainable Mountain Alliance is committed to fostering collaboration between athletes, scientists, and communities to safeguard our glaciers—not just as natural treasures, but as vital lifelines for biodiversity, water security, and cultural heritage. Together, we can ensure the future of mountain sports remains as inspiring as the peaks themselves,’ noted Anne-Cecile Turner, Co-founder of the Sustainable Mountain Alliance.
Main points of discussion:
- Ecological impact of glacier retreat: Dr. Jean-Baptiste Bosson discussed the rapid glacier melt, emphasising their role in freshwater storage and the impact on sea levels, ecosystems, biodiversity, and post-glacial ecosystems. He called for stronger climate action and greater protections for glaciers and surrounding ecosystems.
- Sustainability in skiing and snow management: Susanna Sieff, Sustainability Director at the International Ski Federation (FIS) discussed how glacial melt impacts skiing, especially summer skiing and the shift of professional training locations from the Alps to South America. She also highlighted factors to consider when planning the FIS race calendar and stressed the importance of sustainable snow management practices, highlighting the Snow for the Future and SIEPPUR Sustainable Snow Management projects.
- Freeride skiing and avalanche education: Dominique Perret highlighted the increased risks in freeride skiing, such as avalanches and crevasse falls, due to melting glaciers and unstable snow layers. He introduced WeMountain, an initiative focused on reducing accidents through education, and advocated for sustainability and a zero-waste mentality in mountain sports.
- Community impact of glacial melt: Blaise Agresti discussed the social implications of glacier melt, emphasising the need for a shift in mountaineering attitudes towards greater environmental and social sustainability. He called on mountain guides and ski instructors to lead by example,such as through the education of clients on responsible behavior, and to be role models for future generations.
- Mountain sports and the importance of the International Year of Glacier’s Preservation: Fernando Iglesias Letelier discussed the role of sports organisations in promoting sustainable mountain sports, with examples from Patagonia. He also presented the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) efforts, including updated safety guidelines, social media outreach, citizen science, and community engagement.
Main outcomes and recommendations:
- The urgency of climate action to protect glaciers, ecosystems, and communities.
- Education and awareness about sustainable practices and responsible behaviour.
- Collaboration across sectors to develop new solutions for sustainability and glacier preservation.
- Sustainable practices in mountain sports to reduce their environmental footprint, such as improved snow management, waste reduction, and sustainable gear use.
- Outreach and citizen science to engage the public in glacier preservation efforts and gather data for better research, with a focus on involving younger generations.
To watch the webinar, see here.
Discover more about the International Year of Glacier’s Preservation and the efforts to protect glaciers and mountain ecosystems: Visit the official website
See the list of official launch events
For more information
Web: Home – Kilian Jornet Foundation
Linked’in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kilianjornetfoundation/
Instagram: @kilianjornetfoundation
Web: https://sustainablemountainalliance.com
Linked’in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainablemountainalliance
Instagram: @SustainableMountainAlliance