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
Mountain Communities Find Reasons for Optimism at 2026 MT2030 Summit
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
Through the Decades
1970sNew Life From LitterOctober 1971
1980sEnergy IdeasNovember 1980
1990sNew Sewage Treatments are Ecological and EconomicalSeptember 19992000sSugarloaf/USA and Sunday River Become Largest Consumers Of Wind Power in New EnglandNovember 2006
2010sWind Power: Cloudy ForecastAugust 2017
2020sFire on the MountainJanuary 2022Cards 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
- Nov6Snowvana – New EnglandMarlborough, MA
- Nov13Snowvana – WisconsinFranklin, WI
- Nov14Snowbound ExpoMohegan Sun, Connecticut
- Dec4Ski DazzleLos Angeles, CA
- Jan12NSAA Western Winter ConferenceBig Sky, MT
- Jan20Annual ACCT International ConferenceTacoma, WA
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.
