Ski Industry Releases Environmental Report
The National Ski Areas Association, a trade association for ski area owners and operators, has released its second "Sustainable Slopes Annual Report" detailing the ski industry's progress in implementing its Environmental Charter for Ski Areas over the past season. Read More
The National Ski Areas Association, a trade association for ski area owners and operators, has released its second “Sustainable Slopes Annual Report” detailing the ski industry’s progress in implementing its Environmental Charter for Ski Areas over the past season.
The Environmental Charter, commonly referred to as “Sustainable Slopes” is a collection of environmental best practices for resorts, addressing water conservation, fish and wildlife habitat protection, energy conservation, waste reduction, and air quality. To date, 173 resorts have endorsed the Environmental Charter, representing more than 72% of the U.S. ski industry by skier and snowboarder visits.
Resorts used an assessment tool to measure their progress in implementing environmental best practices for the purposes of the annual report. 90 resorts from 26 states completed the assessment this spring, which required resorts to answer more than 200 questions and submit quantitative environmental data. The Brendle Group, an environmental consulting firm in Fort Collins, Colo., spearheaded the data collection and analysis efforts.
“Sustainable Slopes is facilitating the sharing of environmental information among resorts that will bring the entire industry forward together and ultimately benefit the environment,” said Geraldine Link, director of public policy at NSAA. “The Annual Report results demonstrate the resort industry’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship.”
Among the findings in the report: 85% of reporting resorts are designing ski trails to minimize the removal of trees; 83% are installing water efficient equipment in facilities, such as low-flow faucets and toilets; 83% are inventorying and monitoring wetland and riparian areas; and 90% of the resorts that reported are recycling office paper, cardboard, newspaper, aluminum, glass, plastic, and food service waste.
“Resorts across the country continue to succeed in implementing environmental practices and programs that will ensure a sustainable future,” said NSAA president Michael Berry.
According to the report, the ski resorts have been highly successful in implementing initiatives to protect scenic values, reduce water use for snowmaking, and design and construct environmentally preferable facilities. The report called on resorts to improve their efforts in reducing energy use for vehicle fleets and lifts, reusing products to reduce waste, and providing environmental education and outreach to employees and visitors.
