Mountain Department
Sustainability
Sustainability is increasingly important for mountain resorts. The Sustainability Department examines energy efficiency, water management, climate resilience, waste reduction, and operational practices that support long-term environmental stewardship and business success.
Cover Story
Sorting It Out
Eldora’s waste-sorting overhaul became the foundation for a broader operational and cultural shift around sustainability.
Features & Analysis
Sustainable Design in the Mountain Environment
The Nest at Snowbird demonstrates how the unique demands of mountain resort operations influence sustainable design decisions, from…
Taos Joins Global Sustainability Alliance
A chance encounter at a Leitner-Poma dinner during the 2025 NSAA National Convention led to a significant connection…
Where Climate Meets Community
Mountain communities are facing climate impacts on multiple fronts, and ski areas are responding with climate strategies that…
Partnering for Change
Municipal partnerships and an increased focus on advocacy boost sustainability efforts for mountain resorts and their communities.
Taking Control of Water
Use best management practices to manage stormwater and prevent operational disasters.
Latest News
Ski Area Sustainability Leaders to Gather at Sun Valley Ahead of MT2030 Climate Summit
Supplier News Roundup
MT2030 Summit Brings Mountain Communities to Breckenridge for Climate Action
Ski Area Leaders to Convene at Arapahoe Basin Ahead of MT2030 Summit
Mount Southington Introduces Youth-Focused Sport and Sustainability Program
Mountain Towns 2030 Climate Solutions Summit Calls for Collective Action
SAM Partners with NSAA, Taos Ski Valley, and Mountain Towns 2030 on Climate Solutions Summit Arrival-Day Event
New All-Electric Snow Cat Debuts at Dutch Indoor Ski Dome
Through the Decades
1970sEnergy To Run Our AreasMarch 1977
1990sSave Energy / Earn MoneyMarch 19932000sNSAA Program Promotes Green Power PurchasesAugust 2006
2010sTurning Trails Into ClassroomsAugust 2017
2020sBite-Size Your Sustainability EffortsMarch 2025Cards show digitized stories tagged to this department. Decades without tagged articles are omitted; the chips below still search every decade from the 1960s on.
Community
On the calendar
- Oct13Mountain Towns 2030Sun Valley, ID
- Oct13NSAA Fall Education SeminarsSki Sante Fe, NM
- Oct15NSAA Fall Education SeminarsCopper Mountain, CO
- Oct16Snowvana – SeattleSeattle, WA
- Oct20NSAA Fall Education SeminarsTimberline Ski Area, OR
- Oct21CWSAA Fall Lift Safety BootcampPrince George, BC
Parts & Resource Board
Sustainability jobs & equipment
Supplier Guide
Department Sponsorship
Become the partner this department’s readers recommend.
SAM Mountain department newsletters
Sustainability resources, delivered right to your inbox.
