Sustainable Slopes Report Highlights Action Programs

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11 October 2013

Push to The Latest: No

SAM Magazine—Lakewood, Colo., Oct. 11, 2013—The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) today released its 13th Sustainable Slopes Annual Report detailing the ski industry's progress in implementing the principles of its Environmental Charter during the 2012-13 season.

Among the highlights:

• 115 ski areas endorsed the Climate Declaration issued this year by a coalition of leading U.S. companies called BICEP (Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy). The Climate Declaration calls upon federal policymakers to take action to address climate change, and states that addressing climate change is one of the greatest economic opportunities of the 21st century.

• in-depth results of the Climate Challenge Program, a voluntary program for resorts to inventory, target and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). Participating resorts include Alta Ski Area, Arapahoe Basin, Beaver Valley Ski Club, Boreal Mountain Resort, Canyons Resort, Copper, Giants Ridge Ski & Golf, Gorgoza Park, Grand Targhee, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Killington Resort, Jiminy Peak (past participant), Killington Resort, Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort, Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort, Mt. Bachelor, Park City Mountain Resort, Pico Mountain, Soda Springs, Sugarbush Resort, and Telluride Ski & Golf Resort.

Overall, these areas reported approximately 115,000 MTCO2e of emissions in 2012; by 2020, they are committed to reducing emissions by at least 38,500 MTCO2e—about 34 percent.

The report also highlights the latest environmental projects and programs at ski areas across the country including lighting improvements, electric vehicle use, composting, local purchasing programs, water conservation efforts, and employee and guest education as it relates to sustainability. More than 190 resorts now endorse the association's Environmental Charter, and those resorts represent about 75 percent of the ski industry's annual skier and snowboarder visits.

The report also notes that to further environmental goals, the 2014 NSAA Winter Conferences in Steamboat, Colo., and Mount Snow Vt., will feature a two-day environmental education track.

Green fans can access the 2013 Sustainable Slopes Annual Report at http://www.nsaa.org/media/175283/FinalAR2013101013.pdf.