The Mountain IDEAL Standard

Guiding Principles for Sustainable Destination Development

The Mountain IDEAL is a sustainability standard and certification program for mountain resort communities "recognized" by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The Mountain IDEAL provides a framework of sustainable tourism criteria and performance indicators that support any mountain destination in elevating its sustainability performance, stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and recognition as a global leader. 

The criteria and indicators within Mountain IDEAL are organized into four categories:

• Destination planning, regulatory framework, and monitoring
• Destination management of natural and cultural assets
• Community equity, engagement, and opportunities
• Environmental resource conservation