In it’s 10th Sustainable Slopes Annual Report, the National Ski Areas Association reported the ski industry’s progress in implementing the Environmental Charter in the 2009/2019 season.
The report reviews member resorts improvement in conserving energy and water, reducing waste, educating employees and guests about environmental issues, and partnering with surrounding communities.
The main focus of the Sustainable Slopes program last winter was the new Sustainable Slopes Grant Program.
“We are thrilled to see the Sustainable Slopes Grant Program reach the $100,000 mark in only its second year, and we’re confident that the implementation of these grants at our member ski areas are paying great dividends,” said NSAA President Michael Berry.
Helping reach that mark was donations from sponsors and partners, such as two in-kind snowmaking grants from NSAA supplier member Snow Economics, Inc. and HKD Snowmakers. The two in-kind grants of 10 SV10 high snowmaking guns were awarded to Mt. Abram in Maine and Crested Butte in Colorado. CLIF bar & Co. and the Natural Resources Defense Council also sponsored four cash grants. Alta Ski Area in Utah was awarded for energy management and interpretive signage projects, Crested Butte for using an electric bike for resort maintenance, Grand Targhee in Wyoming for water bottle refilling stations and Stevens Pass in Washington for a composting pilot project.
Endorsed by over 190 resorts, the Environmental Charter is followed by about 75 percent of the ski industry according to visits.
