Ski season is coming up, and many of you are getting ready to hit the slopes. Why not pick a resort that is environmentally responsible? You’ll feel better about choosing a ski resort that tries to protect the environment, which is the same environment that gives you the ability to go skiing and snowboarding! Here are 5 great ski resorts with a great, green initiative.
Park City Resort, Utah
photo credit: Flickr
I have heard great things about skiing in Park City, Utah, and it’s also very snow boarding friendly. For the past three years, Park City Ski Resort has performed an energy efficiency report to help reduce its carbon footprint and also cut down the cost of energy consumption. Thanks to the audit, Park City has trimmed the resort’s carbon footprint by over 15,000 tons. According to their Web site, this is equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions of 2,492 passenger vehicles or the electricity use of 1,802 homes for one year. In 2004, Park City began using renewable energy to power. They have also purchased more energy efficient snowmobiles and reduced their paper wasted consumption.
The Aspen Skiing Company
photo credit: TreeHugger
Aspen is considered to be the Mecca when it comes to skiing, and it’s also one of the most green ski resort towns. The Aspen Skiing Company owns four different mountains in Aspen: Snowmass, Aspen, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. They began their eco initiatives back in 1997, and they have been the model for other resorts to follow their green initiatives lead. They were the first to purchase wind power and they are one of the only resorts with a green building policy. ASC has the largest photovoltaic system in the industry. ASC also matches contributions from employees for local environmental causes. I also hear the skiing is great, too!
The Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont
photo credit: Flickr
I know that the East Coast just doesn’t compare to West Coast skiing, but if you want to spend a little less money and still get world-class skiing, check out The Smuggler’s Notch in Vermont. They are a leader in the state of Vermont for sustainable building. Smugglers’ Notch is also one of only a few mountains in the Northeast recognized as a member of Sustainable Slopes. The resort has extensive green initiatives , and include wildlife protection, energy efficiency, recycling, and water conservation. Smuggler’s Notch is big on education, too. They post signs prompting visitors how to preserve the environment, and there are many different nature activities that educate kids about the environment.
Smugglers’ also has a carpooling Web site and a free shuttle service serving the resort and neighboring cities.
Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, Oregon
photo credit: Flickr
Oregon is another one of those picturesque states with great skiing and breath-taking views. Mt. Bachelor Resort recently hired a team of climatologists to conduct studies at Mt. Bachelor. The resort is seeking to drastically reduce their carbon footprint. The team is also consistently analyzing waste and recycling efforts and renewable energy. They are also focusing on smaller efforts that lead to bigger green results. The resort uses recycled cooking oil for biofuel, non-petroleum based cleaners for housekeeping, wax-free recycled paper for insulated cups, and green cleaning agents for vehicles. Mt. Bachelor’s tagline says it all in terms of their attitude towards preserving the environment: “Still as pure as the day it erupted.”
Sundance Resort, Utah
photo credit: Flickr
Want to get really fancy and enjoy a ski resort at its finest? Robert Redford’sSundance Village and Ski Resort, located in Northern Utah's Provo Canyon, this world-class resort does a great job at greening their resort. Each room is designed with environmental sustainability in mind. Sundance participates in Green by NATÜRA, the first in-room eco-friendly amenities program. Shampoo and conditioner bottles are made from corn-based biodegradable material; and soap and accessory cartons are made from natural recycled paper and printed with soy based inks. The fine cuisine is created with local food and organic alternatives. Guests who stay at Sundance are encouraged to participate in linen re-use and recycling programs. We like that Sundance is unique in offering guests access to a full-time naturalist, available all four seasons. Winter brings various educational programs provided by the Sundance Resort educating guests about the wonderful wildlife ecology in and around Utah. If you want a truly unique experience, be sure to visit this resort.
