Mountains are among the most fragile ecosystems on Earth. Climate change is accelerating glacier retreat, destabilizing trails, and threatening biodiversity. As outdoor enthusiasts, we have a responsibility to minimize our impact and protect these precious landscapes for future generations.
Our Commitment
This charter embodies responsible outdoor ethics and is adapted to the specific challenges facing alpine environments today.
1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Research trail conditions, weather forecasts, and any seasonal restrictions before departure
- Understand the regulations and special concerns for the areas you’ll visit
- Travel in small groups to reduce environmental impact
- Carry appropriate gear to avoid emergency situations that may require rescue operations
- Download offline maps to reduce battery usage and stay on designated trails
2. Travel on Durable Surfaces
- Stay on marked trails—shortcuts cause erosion that takes decades to heal
- Walk single file through muddy sections rather than widening the trail
- Camp only in designated areas; alpine meadows are extremely fragile
- Avoid walking on vegetation, cryptobiotic soil crusts, and fragile alpine plants
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
- Pack it in, pack it out—all trash, including food scraps and fruit peels
- Use toilets when available; otherwise, dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water sources
- Carry a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics
- Use biodegradable soap sparingly, at least 200 feet from streams and lakes
- Bring a small bag to collect any litter you encounter on the trail
4. Leave What You Find
- Observe but don’t collect—leave rocks, plants, flowers, and artifacts where you find them
- Don’t build cairns or structures; they confuse navigation and disturb habitats
- Avoid introducing non-native species by cleaning boots and gear between hikes
- Take only photographs, leave only footprints
5. Minimize Campfire Impact
- Use a camp stove for cooking—fires scar the landscape and deplete wood resources
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings and keep fires small
- Burn only dead wood found on the ground; never break branches from trees
- Ensure fires are completely extinguished—drown, stir, and feel for heat
6. Respect Wildlife
- Observe animals from a distance; never approach, feed, or follow them
- Store food securely to protect both wildlife and yourself
- Keep dogs on leash in sensitive areas; their presence stresses wildlife
- Be especially careful during nesting and breeding seasons (spring/early summer)
- Report injured wildlife to local authorities rather than intervening directly
7. Be Considerate of Others
- Yield to uphill hikers and pack animals on narrow trails
- Keep noise levels low—let nature’s sounds prevail
- Take breaks away from the trail to allow others to pass
- Respect the experience of other visitors seeking solitude
- Share the trail with kindness and patience
Climate-Conscious Hiking
Climate change is transforming our mountains. Glaciers are retreating, permafrost is melting, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Here’s how we can help:
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
- Choose train or bus over flying when possible
- Carpool to trailheads
- Consider carbon offset programs for unavoidable travel emissions
- Support accommodations and operators committed to sustainability
Adapt to Changing Conditions
- Be prepared for unpredictable weather—conditions change faster than before
- Check current trail and glacier conditions, not just historical data
- Start earlier to avoid afternoon storms and heat
- Carry more water as mountain springs become less reliable
Support Conservation
- Contribute to trail maintenance programs
- Report trail damage or erosion to local authorities
- Support organizations working to protect mountain environments
- Participate in citizen science projects when available
In Mountain Huts
Mountain huts face unique sustainability challenges:
- Water: Keep showers short (2-3 minutes); water is precious at altitude
- Energy: Charge devices sparingly; many huts rely on solar power
- Waste: Separate recyclables and carry out what you can
- Noise: Respect quiet hours; others need rest for the next day’s climb
- Food: Finish your meals—food waste is difficult to manage in remote locations
Support Local Communities
- Buy local products and use local services
- Respect private property and local customs
- Learn a few words of the local language
- Support family-run accommodations over large chains
- Share positive experiences to encourage sustainable tourism
Our Promise
By following these principles, we commit to:
- Leaving trails and campsites better than we found them
- Inspiring others to practice responsible outdoor ethics
- Continuously learning and adapting our practices
- Supporting the communities and ecosystems that make our adventures possible
The mountains don’t need us. We need them. Let’s protect what we love.
This charter aligns with international standards including the Alpine Convention and recommendations from the International Mountain Conference.