To advance its mission of championing a global movement for sustainable mountain environments, the Sustainable Mountain Alliance decided to prioritise developing programmes centered on sport tourism and local communities.
Sport tourism in mountain regions—ranging from skiing and trail running to climbing and mountain biking—not only draws international attention and economic opportunities but also serves as a powerful platform to promote environmental stewardship.
Sustainable Event Label
Developing a label for sustainable events in mountain regions directly advances the SMA’s ambition to create programmes centered on sport and tourism that benefit the local host communities whilst protecting the alpine environment.
Mountain sports and tourism generate significant economic and cultural value, but they also exert pressure on fragile ecosystems and local resources.
A sustainability label provides a clear, credible framework for event organisers to minimise environmental impact, engage local communities, and promote responsible tourism practices.
By setting transparent standards and offering recognition for compliance, the label not only drives behavioural change among stakeholders but also enhances the reputation of mountain destinations as leaders in sustainability.
This approach transforms events into platforms for environmental stewardship, ensuring that sport and tourism contribute positively to both nature and society.
Click here for more information about our Sustainable Event Label
The Big Climb
The SMA partners with The Big Climb, bringing together youth, athletes, government, international organisations and the private sector, to climb together around a selected sustainability theme. Since 2006, The Big Climb has led over 650 climbers to the summit of Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m) with a formal partnership established with the SMA in 2021.
2025’s edition of The Big Climb aligns with the UN International Year of Glacier Preservation and UNESCO’s Futurekeepers initiative, highlighting the 85% loss of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers since 1912 and the urgent need for collective action.
Sustainability support
We seek to ensure mountain tourism ventures, sports and cultural events are conducted in the most sustainable way possible. Sustainability support has been provided to:
Sustainable Sport and Tourism Partners
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Verbier Zero
Verbier Zero is a Swiss not-for-profit Association dedicated to protect Verbier’s nature and future.
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The Big Climb
The SMA co-organises ‘The Big Climb’ of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m/19,340 ft), the highest peak in Africa, annually to raise awareness and funds for global concerns. During the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development 2022, focus was on sustainable mountain development with the inaugural Big Climb Nepal launched with an expedition to Mt. Everest Base Camp (5300M/17,388ft).
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Kilimanjaro Train Run
The Kilimanjaro Trail Run (KTR) offers four high-altitude races over two days on Africa’s tallest mountain. Mount Kilimanjaro is a beacon directing our attention towards climate change, deforestation, and the need for clean energy and clean water. The Kilimanjaro Trail Run will champion these global issues and demonstrate how runners can appropriately shoulder the responsibility of caring for each other and the planet we share.
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Mira Rai Initiative
The Mira Rai Initiative seeks to empower and educate young female trail runners in Nepal, unleashing the potential to transform lives of young athletes. Mira Rai is founder of the MRI, Champion trail runner, UN Mountain Partnership Ambassador, Salomon running athlete, and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2017.
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Butterfly Help Project
A Nepalese project that supports the wives and children of Sherpas tragically killed during mountain expeditions through school and hostel building, women’s empowerment, sponsoring of children, cultural preservation and emergency relief.