Responsibility program
Tourism in Lapland is founded on nature. This makes it absolutely vital to consider the environment in every travel-related development decision that is made in the area. At Levi Ski Resort, our operations include year-round travel and activity services on the slopes, as well as various support services – all of it in a sustainable manner. As a recognition of our systematic work to preserve the arctic nature, Levi Ski Resort's environmental system has been awarded the international ISO 14001 environment certification in 2018 as the first ski resort in the Nordic countries. In August 2020, Levi Ski Resort was granted the Sustainable Travel Finland label. We are aware of the principles of sustainable tourism and we promote the realization of common goals.
Ecological responsibility
Considering the environment and leading by example are strategic choices and goals we strive to achieve. We honor and cherish our Arctic operating environment. Levi Ski Resort has long integrated ecological responsibility into the development of its operations, earning recognition as the first ski resort in the Nordics to receive the ISO 14001 environmental certification. This international standard serves as the foundation of our environmental efforts and is based on the principle of continuous improvement.
We are committed to protecting the environment and have identified the key environmental impacts of our operations: electricity, fuel, and water consumption, waste management, and managing both erosion and biodiversity. Specific goals and objectives have been set for each aspect, monitored through our environmental program, which is regularly reviewed as part of the company’s strategic planning.
Levi Ski Resort has actively participated in the To Be Low Carbon project coordinated by Metsähallitus (State-owned forestry company), where we conducted ISO 14069-certified carbon footprint calculations and developed an action plan to reduce our carbon footprint by 2030. Additionally, we are committed to the climate goals of the Finnish Ski Area Association (SHKY) and the global Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. We also align our activities with Metsähallitus' principles for sustainable tourism. While we do not operate directly within the Ylläs-Pallas National Park, we view it as a crucial conservation area and see promoting sustainable tourism in the park as essential.
Energy and resource efficiency are at the core of our operations. We utilize LED lighting, automated snowmaking systems, and preserved snow, which help reduce energy consumption and support water conservation. In slope area developing we prioritize developing existing areas. Post-construction, we landscape and restore the areas, respecting the local biodiversity, landscape, and cultural heritage.
We are committed to continuous improvement in waste management and recycling. There are over 30 waste sorting points across the fell area, encouraging our customers to participate in recycling efforts.
Preserving local nature is a priority, and we encourage our guests to help protect the beautiful fell environment of Lapland. In winter, guests can enjoy snow sports responsibly, while in summer, activities like hiking and cycling are promoted on trails that respect the carrying capacity of nature.
The many dimensions of our environmental work are detailed in our blog series, where we share insights into our key actions and goals for ecological responsibility. Together with our guests, staff, and stakeholders, we are working towards a more sustainable future—preserving the vitality of the Arctic environment for generations to come.
Financial responsibility
Responsible operations are built on effective collaboration: we identify our stakeholders and maintain strong partnerships with them. We actively contribute to advancing the sustainable tourism strategy for the Levi region. We take great pride in our strong customer loyalty, which is the result of long-term, collaborative development efforts across the entire tourism area.
Our economic responsibility is reflected in sustainable business practices, which also enable the fulfillment of social and ecological responsibilities. Levi Ski Resort is a self-sufficient company that reinvests a significant portion of its annual profits into the development of slope services and operations in the fell. These investments focus on ecological solutions and the latest technology, strengthening the appeal of the tourism area and creating new opportunities for business development in the region.
Locality is important to us. We aim to support local employment and the vitality of the municipality, making us a significant employer and taxpayer in Kittilä. We employ approximately 100 permanent staff year-round, with our workforce expanding to over 300 employees during peak seasons. Additionally, we support local communities, schools, sports clubs, and associations by providing them with opportunities for collaboration and activities.
We understand our role as a key driver of the tourism area and emphasize cooperation with other operators. Our investments focus on developing services and infrastructure while ensuring ecological sustainability. We use the best available technologies and responsible supply chains to ensure lifecycle perspectives are considered in all our operations.
Events play a significant role in Levi Ski Resort’s economic responsibility and the vitality of the tourism area. Regional events are primarily organized by Visit Levi's Lapland Productions, which annually hosts major events such as Levi's Alpine Skiing World Cup. The Levi Alpine Skiing World Cup is the most significant event held on Levi’s slopes. This season-opening competition of the World Cup tour has brought international visibility to Levi since 2004, reaching approximately 200 million TV viewers and attracting around 20,000 visitors on-site each year. During the summer, Levi hosts events such as the Finnish Enduro Championships, which hold European Championship status. In addition to these large international events, Levi organizes numerous smaller events year-round, bringing vibrancy to the ski resort.
We also encourage other operators in our industry to work responsibly by engaging in ongoing dialogue within industry organizations to develop best practices. Additionally, we organize events to openly share information about our own responsibility efforts and foster collaboration with all our stakeholders.
Social Responsibility
Levi Ski Resort embraces social responsibility through a strong focus on its employees, the local community, and the promotion of culture. Year-round tourism creates jobs for professionals in various fields, including customer service, sales, hospitality, and technical support. Our permanent staff demonstrates exceptional commitment, with the average length of employment being a testament to workplace well-being. During peak seasons, our workforce expands significantly to cover the entire group, including Levi Restaurants.
Locality is at the heart of our operations. As a major employer and taxpayer in Kittilä, we actively contribute to the region’s vitality. Levi Ski Resort collaborates closely with local communities, sports clubs, and educational institutions, providing opportunities for training and activities. For example, the Levi Institute trains future professionals for the tourism and restaurant industry, and in collaboration with REDU, we have developed study opportunities, workplace well-being, and our employer image.
Accessibility and inclusivity are central to our values. Serving customers from over 50 nationalities, we ensure that services like gondolalifts and the Huippupolku trail, are accessible. We emphasize cultural sensitivity in employee training and provide our staff with first-aid and job-specific education.
Levi offers world-class training facilities for sports clubs and enthusiasts, including Alpine Training Park, South Park, and Levi Black slope areas. Children under six ski for free with a helmet, and Kittilä residents receive significant discounts on season passes. Our goal is to promote snow sports and make Levi’s slopes an accessible activity hub for all.
We prioritize local and responsible partnerships when selecting collaborators. Many of our investments are carried out with local contractors, and we require them to adhere to the standards of our ISO14001 certification.
The well-being of our staff is a top priority. We offer competitive benefits, including insurance coverage, high-quality tools, and opportunities to engage in activities year-round. Additionally, our staff actively participates in environmental initiatives—every spring, we organize a cleaning day to clean the slopes of litter. This event has been well-received and has inspired other local organizations to join in.
Social responsibility at Levi Ski Resort also extends to supporting local culture and traditions. This is reflected in our building styles, and our communication, which honors the values and stories of the local community. At the core of our operations is a strong connection to local life and a commitment to preserving Levi’s uniqueness for future generations.