Ski Resorts' Favorite Color: White or Green?

It's a beautiful winter day at and you're cutting fresh tracks at your favorite ski resort. The sun is shining; the powder is fresh and deep. Absolutely perfect, except for the little nagging thought in the back of your mind. Ski resorts haven't always been known for their environmental stewardship. Should I be spending my vacation dollars supporting companies that bring development and congestion to pristine mountain landscapes but aren't doing anything positive to protect the environment?Luckily, a number of ski resorts are out to change that perception. These progressive companies are responding to growing customer sentiment that environmentally responsibility is important in selecting their vacation destinations. Not to mention serious concerns ski resort operators have about global warming's impact on their bottom line (less snow, shorter ski seasons, etc.)

Here are picks from www.greenbuz.com for ski resorts that offer world class ski experiences and whose green business practices will let your conscience rest easy when your timing is perfect and you hit one of those blissful fresh powder days.

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

• 2005 NSAA golden eagle award for environmental excellence
• 18% reduction in energy usage compared to 03/04 season
• Dedicated $320,000 to conservation initiatives
• Reduced waste by more than 540 tons per year

Aspen, CO

• First Colorado ski resort to purchase enough wind power to offset 100% of its electricity use
• Joined lawsuit against EPA stance against regulating greenhouse gas emissions

 MoonlightBasin, Big Sky, MT

• 2005 NSAA silver eagle environmental award for conservation 
• Extensive rehabilitation of land holdings damaged by logging
• Resort development plan calls for 85% of property to remain in natural state

Vail, Colorado

• Committed to renewable energy in August, 2006 becoming the second largest corporate purchaser of wind energy, behind Whole Foods
• Partnered with National Forest Foundation to raise $600,000 for winter conservation projects

Want more information on ski resort conservation efforts? Want to see how your favorite resort stacks up regarding sustainable business practices? Check out the National Ski Areas Association's sustainable slopes initiative website at:

www.nsaa.org/nsaa/environment/sustainable_slopes/ 

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