The most eco-sustainable ski resorts

Skiing is a sport that, due to its impact on the mountains, has come to be heavily criticised by environmentalists. Because skiers love natural high-altitude environments, in recent years ski resorts have decided to become more eco-sustainable. Resorts around the world such as Baqueira Beret, Peyragudes, Valberg, Zermatt and many others have intensified their efforts to promote different projects that protect their most precious asset, the mountain.

Although the “zero” ecological footprint does not exist at the moment, resorts can reduce their ecological impact so that we can all practice snow sports in a responsible way. And so that this winter you know which are the most eco-sustainable ski resorts, we are going to tell you about their practices to take care of the environment, the mountain and its fauna.

List of the most eco-sustainable ski resorts 

Eco-sustainable ski resorts in Andorra

GrandValira

The GrandValira ski resort has a beautiful natural environment. For this reason, the resort works to ensure sustainability and to make visitors aware of the need to act responsibly.

To protect this Pyrenean environment full of richness and biodiversity, the resort carries out a series of interventions to minimise the impact. For example, to protect the fauna, obstacles are signposted at GrandValira and certain areas are marked out for the conservation and protection of species such as the bearded vulture and the capercaillie.

In addition, to promote these values of sustainability among children, educational projects are carried out, such as the “Forn Natura”. And the resort also has measures to reduce water consumption thanks to the sustainable buildings that regenerate 36% of the water and the new toilets, which regenerate 80%. In addition, the resort’s waste is managed in accordance with the Andorra government’s plan.

Vallnord Pal Arinsal

The Vallnord Pal Arinsal ski resort wants to become totally environmentally friendly. For this reason, sustainability is one of its most important aspects, and its action plan takes into account the premises, the reduction of plastics and the maintenance of the resort.

In fact, at this resort they organise an annual collection of rubbish from their mountains in which all the staff participate. They have also increased safety by improving signposting so that everyone can find their way around, while restricting access to protected areas.

Thanks to all these measures, the resort manages to respect the environment both in summer and winter. The resort is open all year round, which is why it is essential to guarantee care for the environment.

Eco-sustainable ski resorts in Australia

Falls Creek

The Falls Creek ski resort in Australia is owned by Vail Resorts. This multinational company is known for being the sustainability leader in the sector, as they seek to achieve a sustainable and inclusive future. Thanks to Vail Resort, many companies across the ocean are beginning to include a sustainable programme in their resorts.

As such, the company’s main goal is to reduce its carbon footprint by 2030. To achieve this, the company is using renewable energy, as well as teaching its employees how to recycle properly.

Specifically, Falls Creek Station has two programmes in place to not only have a sustainable future, but also an inclusive one. On the one hand, there is the “Mim’s Women Ski Program”, dedicated exclusively to women who want to improve their skiing under the guidance of the best instructors. On the other hand, there is the “Disabled WinterSports” programme, in which there are instructors who are able to give lessons to the disabled so that no one is left without skiing.

Hotham

Hotham is one of three Australian ski resorts owned by the Vail Resorts Group. A multinational company with a total of 37 resorts, Vail Resorts is known for its focus on a sustainable and inclusive future.

Hotham has an incredible natural environment, which is why the resort takes environmental protection so seriously. In this region alone, some 100 species of native animals have been found, as well as some 400 different species of flora.

That’s why Vail Resorts is fully committed to sustainability and has an action plan in place. The plan aims to fully protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and using renewable energies, among other measures.

Perisher

The Australian ski resort Perisher is part of the Vail Resorts group, a company fully committed to sustainability. Vail Resorts group’s goals include reducing its carbon footprint, engaging with local communities and ensuring the educational future of its employees.

The resort also holds Environmental Protection Licence No. 2274. This means that the station is authorised to treat wastewater. And this is not the station’s only measure, as it is also careful to use clean energy to reduce its carbon footprint as much as possible.

Another remarkable measure of the station is the “EpicVolunteers” programme, which gives its employees the opportunity to volunteer and get paid. With this programme, employees can choose the organisation they want to help, and they are paid the equivalent of 40 hours of work.

Eco-sustainable ski resorts in Austria

Bad Gastein

The Austrian ski resort is surrounded by beautiful nature, which is why Bad Gastein believes that in order to preserve it, it is necessary to have a sense of responsibility. In Austria, they are focused on protecting the country’s natural paradises as much as possible.

That is why the station has implemented numerous concrete measures to make changes for the benefit of the environment, and they say that it takes courage to implement them. The products and services offered by the resort, as well as technological, social and cultural aspects, have been taken into account.

With these measures, the Austrian resort has become a destination that aims to be sustainable not only for its visitors but also for its inhabitants. Thanks to the resort, the surrounding natural landscapes with a wide diversity of flora and fauna are protected.

Ischgl

As experts consider sustainability to be a “key issue”, Ischgl is committed to going green in order to respect the environment. Moreover, according to a study by the Austrian Ministry of the Environment, mountain holidays are one of the most climate-friendly types of tourism.

This is because resorts such as Ischgl have efficient cable car operations and use renewable energy. This is because there are numerous high-tech ski lifts in the resort that contribute to their efficient operation. At the same time, Ischgl is committed to seasonal tourism and promotes the development of tourism in the area all year round.

Ischgl has therefore become a climate-neutral resort, as it has set out to offset all unavoidable carbon emissions caused by the resort’s skiing and après-ski operations. This project has been internationally recognised, as it also includes a valley reforestation programme as well as intensified efforts to reduce CO2 emissions.

Söll

The Austrian ski resort of Söll is tackling one of the energy challenges of ski resorts, namely heating. The ski resort is best known for its environmentally friendly heating initiative.

This type of heating uses wood chips to make the fuel that heats the entire resort, instead of using gas or coal as is more common. This is an excellent alternative to keep everyone warm while reducing the environmental impact.

In addition, the carbon footprint of the ski resort’s snow production is quite low. This is partly due to the terrain, but it is also due to the use of environmentally friendly snow cannons with a stable waste sorting system, and the use of hydroelectricity and solar energy.

Eco-sustainable ski resorts in Canada

Banff

The town of Banff, with a population of about 8,000, aims to reduce its carbon footprint. To this end, solar panels are being used, as well as hybrid or electric vehicles. And that’s not the only thing. The resort also has food waste management and wildlife awareness initiatives in place to achieve ambitious sustainable goals.

The city is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, and by 80% by 2050 from 2005 levels.

To achieve this, the city has installed composting and recycling bins near businesses to promote more sustainable practices. In addition, 25% of the energy that powers the city comes from renewable sources, a figure that is increasing year on year.

Bromont

Bromont resort has been inspired by other Canadian sustainability projects identified by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to plan sustainable development in an effective way.

To this end, the “the natural step” approach has been implemented. This approach consists of involving all citizens and stakeholders. This is the first time this method has been used in Quebec, but it has been used before in other Canadian cities such as Calgary, Whistler and Halifax.

The sustainable development plan for Bromont is the result of two years of reflection and consultation involving more than 500 people. This work has led to the identification of concrete objectives that are expected to be achieved by 2030.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise Ski Resort is developing a long-term sustainability plan. The plan includes environmental initiatives, as well as visitor experience and education initiatives.

But the resort has always had sustainability in mind, as the plan dates back to 1981. However, the resort is aware that technologies are evolving, so they are reviewing and revising the plan to keep up with the times.

Currently, the plan focuses on improving the grounds, facilities and services at all resorts. This is intended to improve the visitor experience while protecting sensitive areas and local species.

Whistler Blackcomb

The Canadian ski resort Whistler Blackcomb is the only resort in Canada belonging to the Vail Resorts group. The resort currently follows the 4Rs of waste (reduce, reuse, recycle and recover).

Whistler Blackcomb has reduced waste by more than 70% since 2000, meeting Vail Resorts’ clear sustainability goals.

In addition, Whistler Blackcomb’s measures include employee donations each time they move out of their designated rooms. This measure consists primarily of reusing appliances, clothing or anything else to avoid unnecessary production.

Eco-sustainable ski resorts in France

Chamonix

The Chamonix Valley has been committed to sustainability for several years. To this end, it works with numerous institutional partners and its bordering neighbours to protect the environment. Chamonix also protects the place where its inhabitants live and supports the local economy.

Among its more specific actions is the plan it adopted in 2012, which was the first climate plan for a mountain region. It also implemented a specific air quality plan in 2015. Chamonix’s priority is to protect the air, water and the exceptional landscapes that surround it.

The objectives of one of the most sustainable ski resorts are clear. Chamonix aims to combat greenhouse gases and atmospheric pollutants, as well as to protect and enhance the territory and its inhabitants.

Chamrousse

Chamrousse is located in an environmentally sensitive area of France. This is because the low temperatures do not allow waste to decompose, so it is very important to prevent pollution. To this end, Chamrousse has set up a campaign to collect and recycle cigarette butts, as well as its composting workshops. The resort has also collected 1,250kg of residues on the mountain slopes.

In addition, the region runs a land stewardship project to balance the needs of local farmers with the impact of tourism and habitat preservation. The region’s shepherds allow their herds to graze on the ski slopes, saving Chamrousse from having to mow with machines powered by internal combustion engines, and it has a project to reduce deforestation of its mountains.

Chamrousse’s ambition is to become the first “smart resort” of the new generation of urban mountain. This project is based on sustainable development by integrating connected networks. To this end, the site will deploy alternative energy sources such as photovoltaic farms or solar thermal panels among others. In addition, new digital services will be added to increase the attractiveness of the territory.

La Pierre Saint-Martin

La Pierre Saint-Martin is located in the commune of Arette and is an ideal destination for alpine skiing. This small resort near Isaba is the first in the Pyrenees to be awarded the Flocon Vert label.

The resort has been focusing on the future for several years and has implemented measures in all areas of sustainable development. These measures include its commitment to revegetation, improving public transport connections and reducing pollution throughout the mountain territory.

In addition, the resort is able to ensure that important areas of biodiversity, such as the La Pierre karst massif, are not ruined thanks to its close relationship with the Office National des Forêts (ONF), by fencing off and prohibiting access to walkers, hikers and skiers throughout the area.

Les Rousses

Les Rousses is the perfect place for skiing in a natural environment with an exceptional biodiversity of flora and fauna. The environment is protected, but it is incredibly delicate and the ski resort is actively committed to fighting against waste that could damage it.

To achieve this goal, a partnership between the 4 local areas that make up the resort has been set up to create a renewable energy plan. The intention of this plan is to be able to reduce the carbon footprint by a considerable amount. Currently, the public buildings are heated by local energy sources, such as solar panels and wood-fired boilers.

In addition to its energy plan, the resort has implemented non-polluting means of transport and waste management. All this has led to the resort being validated with the Flocon Vert certification as a reward for its commitment to the environment.

Peyragudes

Peyragudes has positioned itself as a benchmark in sustainability among the resorts in the French Pyrenees. In the resort, for every €100 raised through ski passes, €64 is redistributed to employment and sustainable development. The Peyragudes Skyvall cable car has succeeded in connecting the valley directly to the ski resort, preventing thousands of tourists from driving up to the pass in their private vehicles.

Peyragudes is fully involved in the fight against climate change, which is why the resort is taking measures such as protecting the aquatic environment or the ecological restoration of mountain areas. And the French resort’s practices to be more sustainable have been awarded by indicators such as BIOM or ISO.

In addition, Peyragudes was the first resort in the Pyrenees to acquire a hybrid (diesel and electric) piste groomer. Thanks to this investment in technology, it has managed to reduce CO2 and nitrogen dioxide emissions by 20%. And this is not the only investment made by Peyragudes to be more sustainable, as it is also optimising the energy costs of the ski lifts, snowmaking and even energy savings in buildings.

Serre Chevalier

Serre Chevalier is the first ski resort to produce its own energy. It is a system that combines three different renewable energies: hydroelectric, photovoltaic and wind. In terms of hydroelectric energy, Serre Chevalier has used a network of artificial snow production to generate energy; this form of energy is the most important contributor. Secondly, photovoltaic energy is possible thanks to its more than 1,400 solar panels. Finally, wind power is achieved through generators that are integrated with the environment.

This energy plan has earned them Green Globe sustainability certification. With this, the resort has become the first ski area in the Southern Alps and the fourth in the Compagnie des Alpes group to have this label. The plan took its first steps in 2016 and this 2021 is when it closes its last scheduled phase.

And this ambitious plan has not been easy to achieve, as it has required an investment of 3.6 million euros. The aim is that by this year 30% of the energy will have come from these renewable sources. In addition, the carbon footprint is expected to be reduced by 50% by 2030.

Valberg

Near the French Riviera is a cosy ski resort that is an international benchmark. Yes, we are talking about Valberg. Since its creation, the ski resort has been committed to sustainability, signing in 2007 the National Charter for the Sustainable Development of Mountain Resorts, also known in French as “Cimes Durables”.

The resort is at the heart of an area committed to preventing light pollution. Valberg has a public lighting system that protects the night sky. But that is not the only thing, because thanks to this system Valberg is sustainable, saving 85,000 kWh of electricity per year.

In addition, Valberg is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to achieve its goal of being 100% sustainable. In order to reduce these emissions, the resort has implemented transport measures for tourists trying to access the ski resorts. To reduce air pollution, free shuttle buses and a fleet of electric cars have been introduced during the high season, and the resort centre is pedestrianised…

Eco-sustainable ski resorts in Germany

Brauneck

The German ski resort Brauneck is committed to environmental care and sustainability. For this reason, it currently has several measures in place to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and respect the environment.

All of the resort’s ski lifts are powered by green energy, making them CO2-neutral. In addition, the resort promotes the use of public transport so that skiers can travel responsibly.

Finally, the resort is taking sustainable actions to compensate for the construction of the Garland reservoir. Among these measures, trees and bushes have been removed from the gravel banks of the Isar, restoring 12 hectares of the surrounding area.

Zugspite

The Zugspitze ski resort is one of the most eco-sustainable ski resorts in the world due to its commitment to the environment. This ski resort does not want to use snow cannons, and only opens when there is enough natural snow.

In addition, they promote the use of electric cars, and for this reason they have placed charging points in the car park. For those who do not have an electric car, Zugspite offers a variety of public transport. Buses or even a train can be found at the station.

The train runs from the main station in Garmish and provides environmentally friendly access to the station. And this train also produces energy with its descents, which is then used to service the station.

Eco-sustainable ski resorts in Italy

Bardonecchia

Bardonecchia is also committed to sustainability. For this reason, work has been carried out to optimise transport in the ski resort. The resort’s vision is to have a car-free plateau in order to enjoy it to the full.

For this reason, from summer 2021 onwards, it will be possible to use the cable car and continue on foot or by bicycle to reach Lake Carezza in an environmentally friendly way.

In addition, in order to respect the environment as much as possible and to ensure that no one is left out, a new investment is being made in the resort. The intention is to install a lift system that will allow people with reduced mobility to admire the extraordinary landscape.

Carezza

The Carezza ski resort is located in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and therefore aims to protect and conserve the environment. In fact, the resort has obtained a green energy certification.

In fact, 98% of the ski areas in this resort are powered by renewable electricity. In addition, all the water used by the resort to generate snow comes from nearby lakes that are able to replenish their capacity with the year’s rainfall.

Carezza is also implementing new solar energy sources, as it has 300 days of sunshine a year. Finally, the resort has a cable car which reduces the number of vehicles on the road leading to the resort.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

The Cortina d’Ampezzo ski resort is surrounded by mountains that were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. The resort is therefore fully committed to respecting the environment.

To begin with, the construction of new ski lifts and any extension of the resort is forbidden. In addition, the use of public transport is encouraged in this region.

For this reason, there is a wide network of buses so that skiers can access the resort without any problems. These buses are scheduled to run every 15 minutes, so there are no long waits. In addition, ski buses connect all the base resorts of Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Pejo 3000

This Italian ski resort was the first in the world to introduce a plastic ban. Pejo 3000 realised that a nearby glacier was contaminated by microplastics, so they wanted to find a solution.

So the station banned the use of disposable plastic plates, bottles, cups, bags and straws. And not only that, plastic has also been removed from ski passes. In addition, information boards display the message “Pejo plastic-free” to make skiers aware.

And removing plastic is not the only environmental measure taken by the resort. A project has also been launched to replace diesel-powered snowmobiles with new hybrid vehicles. In addition, the valley uses renewable energy produced by three hydroelectric power stations and wood waste is used for heating.

Eco-sustainable ski resorts in Spain

Baqueira Beret

One of Baqueira Beret‘s maxims is to reduce its carbon footprint in order to contribute to a sustainable future. The resort has implemented and planned various actions to promote sustainability and self-sufficiency in the resort.

In addition, the Baqueira slopes are prepared to ensure care for the environment, as waste is managed in such a way as to respect the native flora and fauna of the Aran Valley. And this is not just theory, as the professionals working at Baqueira Beret include environmental experts who collaborate with the Department of the Environment of the Generalitat de Catalunya.

And Baqueira Beret’s sustainable practices are not limited to the slopes. The resort is working to make its restaurants plastic free, as well as supporting local businesses to not only strengthen local commerce in the region, but also to reduce transport emissions. In addition, Baqueira Beret has received its certification as a Starlight Tourist Destination and Reserve (UNESCO) for being sustainable and fulfilling its commitment to reduce light pollution and thus protect the night sky.

La Molina

The district of La Molina is committed to sustainability, and in 2001 the ski resort was awarded ISO certification. Since then, the resort has developed numerous measures to continue respecting the environment. La Molina, which belongs to the FGC Group, has for years prioritised in its investments that the Catalan Pyrenees are an example of sustainability and protection of the territory.

In particular, it is worth noting that since 2012 the energy that powers the offices, services and restaurants has come from a biomass boiler. Although its operation is the same as that of a conventional diesel boiler, in this type of boiler the fuel is wood chips or pruning.

In addition, part of this energy plan is forest management, as the trees that do not serve to go to the sawmill are used to make biomass. This tree felling is programmed, and in addition to obtaining green energy, it also serves to prevent fires.

Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada ski resort is a benchmark in sustainability, mainly due to the protection and conservation of its natural environment. It is currently implementing the 2020-30 strategic plan, which stands out for being a plan based on environmental and economic sustainability in the immediate future.

The aim of this plan is to promote actions for the elimination of the carbon footprint in all areas of management of the Granada ski resort. This includes snow production, ski slopes, ski lifts, Pradollano development, institutional coordination and social responsibility.

And of course, this plan follows the recommendations of the International Ski Federation (FIS), which sets out the keys necessary for ski resorts to be sustainable. So far, 9 million euros have been invested in optimising the resort’s services so that they comply with the plan.

Tavascan

The ski resorts are forced to invest heavily season after season to improve their services and infrastructures, and of course Tavascan is not far behind.

Among the Catalan ski resorts, an investment of aproximatedly 19 million euros has been made. The resort’s investment is focused on improving the production of artificial snow, and to this end, the previous cannons have been replaced by the latest generation ones. These new cannons are capable of polluting much less while at the same time covering the skiable surface with cultivated snow.

Moreover, Tavascan is not only a sustainable resort but also an inclusive one. There are circuits for disabled people in this resort. To create them, blind people, deaf people, people with reduced mobility or with intellectual or mental difficulties have been taken into account so that everyone can have fun skiing.

Eco-sustainable ski resorts in Switzerland

Laax

Laax is an environmentally friendly resort. The region set up the Greenstyle Foundation with the aim of becoming the first self-sufficient ski resort in history.

Today, all the energy supplied is renewable and comes from photovoltaic energy and pellet heating systems. In addition, 5 ski lifts are equipped with solar panels, and the waste heat they generate is used to heat the buildings.

And off the slopes, the resort promotes recycling through banners, reusable coffee cups or water refills. In addition, its restaurants have switched to using local products, such as La Stalla, which does so exclusively, or promote sustainability by showing the carbon footprint of the different dishes, as in Café NoName.

Saas-Fee

Saas-Fee has earned the nickname “Pearl of the Alps” because it is nestled in a basin surrounded by 4000 metres. To protect this beautiful environment, the village has been car-free since 1951, and the resort is entirely pedestrianised. The only vehicles you will find in this region are electric.

Moreover, as most of the ski lifts and slopes are concentrated at one end of the resort, you only need to take the minibuses or the road train to get around. Best of all, to promote the use of these means of transport, they are completely free of charge.

Saas-Fee is fast approaching carbon-free status, as this “Energy City” runs entirely on renewable hydropower. In addition, the region has equipped 250 wood-fired ovens with particulate filters to clean the air, making this the first dust-free community in the Alps.

Zermatt

For Zermatt, sustainability is an intrinsic value, which is why they have a business strategy that respects the environment and is transparent with customers. In addition, Zermatt has a long-term vocation to meet the needs of the present without compromising those of the future.

Zermatt’s practices to be one of the most sustainable ski resorts include the use of sulphur-free “eco speed” diesel for snow grooming machines and other vehicles. In addition, lift cables are recycled when they need to be repaired. And Zermatt doesn’t forget about flora and fauna in its attempt to be environmentally friendly, with renaturation projects on damaged land and 10 wildlife sanctuaries to protect local species. Also, if you visit the village you’ll notice that there are only electric buses, taxis and horse-drawn sleighs, so it’s car-free and smoke-free.

And Zermatt also has initiatives at the business and technical levels to achieve its goal of being sustainable. Among them is Zermatt’s application to be assessed by Ecovadis, a platform that certifies corporate social responsibility. In addition, they joined Ceflex, an umbrella organisation for all flexible packaging to enforce the commitment to recycling in the European institutions.

Eco-sustainable ski resorts in the USA

Alta

Accepting the NSAA’s climate challenge, the Alta Environmental Centre directed its efforts towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The goal of these efforts was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020. In addition, a solar panel is being installed at the resort, and eco-education initiatives are also being promoted throughout the mountain.

And the resort’s actions don’t stop there, as food waste from landfills is diverted through the Wasatch resource recovery programme.

In addition to these efforts, all single-use containers are being removed from the Buckhorn kitchen and replaced with reusable containers. Another resort initiative is Snowbird’s RIDE app, which connects skiers with each other for the purpose of carpooling.

Alyesca

The Alyesca ski resort is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and has therefore set out to offset 100% of the carbon footprint produced by its tramway. As a result, the tram now uses renewable energy.

To offset this carbon footprint they have partnered with Denali Green Tag’s Tour Green programme, and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation’s (BEF) SkiGreen programme. These programmes offer clean energy options throughout the state of Alaska.

The resort has a long-term commitment to the environment. Thanks to Denali’s Green Tags, also known as renewable energy credits, the resort is able to offset polluting impacts to prevent global warming.

Aspen

The Aspen Skiing Company, which is behind the popular Aspen Snowmass ski resort, created the Environmental Foundation in 1997, and has been leading sustainability efforts ever since.

In 2004, the resort installed the industry’s first solar installation, and has continued to invest in alternative energy ever since. Among these energy measures is the Elk Creek coal mine, which may not sound very green at first, but the peculiarity of this mine is that the waste methane is captured so that the energy it generates is clean.

The ski resort is also funded by its employees, who donate a few dollars per paycheck to support local non-profit organisations. And this employee funding, which amounts to some $3.3 million annually, is matched by the ski resort’s foundation. In recent years, the Aspen Skiing Company has invested more than $68 million in upgrading its infrastructure and ski area to make it more environmentally friendly.

Beaver Creek

The US ski resort Beaver Creek, owned by Vail Resorts, has been certified by Sustainable Travel International. With this certification, Beaver Creek becomes the first resort in the USA and the world to receive this recognition.

This recognition is based on various sustainable measures that Vail Resorts has taken throughout its history. Among the company’s most notable is the use of renewable energy, as the company’s CEO announced that by 2021, 85% of the energy used at its 34 American resorts will be clean.

In addition, Beaver Creek promotes the use of public transport and offers a wide range of free buses. In addition, drivers can be asked to drop you off at a specific location, so it’s entirely possible to go door-to-door. And if that wasn’t enough, the resort has developed the Village Connect app to provide skiers with real-time information.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge started in 2011 to take sustainable actions. Since then, the ski resort, which is part of the Vail Resorts group, has succeeded in promoting some of the most important aspects of sustainable tourism. These include the protection of its historic buildings, the sustainable economy and the protection of the environment and the natural surroundings.

To protect the environment and combat climate change, Vail Resorts is working to eliminate its carbon footprint. To this end, Breckenridge produces nearly all of its electricity from renewable energy and is in the process of phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles.

In addition, Vail Resorts has partnered with PepsiCo to introduce water fountains at its resorts to reduce the use of plastic bottles. Breckenridge has already banned disposable plastics in order to protect the environment.

Crested Butte

Crested Butte is an American ski resort belonging to the Vail Resorts group, which has 37 resorts in the United States, Canada and Australia. The company is fully committed to sustainability and has become a leader in the fight against climate change.

Specifically, Crested Butte’s mission is to protect and manage open lands for views, recreation, wildlife and livestock. In doing so, the resort aims to contribute to the unique heritage and enhance the quality of life in Gunnison County.

In addition, Vail Resorts has donated $19.4 million to 150 non-profit organisations to support local communities. Also, the company has launched the EpicPromise Employee Foundation programme, donating $1.72 million in student scholarships to its employees.

Keystone

As ski resorts are taking the importance of sustainable development very seriously, Keystone did not want to be left behind. Many resorts are aware that they have to protect the environment, so they have adapted to run on renewable energy.

When the former president of the United States proclaimed that the country would leave the Paris agreement, many American ski resorts signed a letter condemning the decision. Among the signatories of the letter is Vail Resorts, the company that owns Keystone and 36 other resorts in the United States, Canada and Australia.

Keystone is located in a natural setting consisting of 3 mountains, so it wants to protect the environment while offering an unforgettable experience. That’s why Vail Resorts is making sure to renew its infrastructure and has plans to implement state-of-the-art snow cannons and upgrade its lifts in the coming seasons.

Park City

The American ski resort Park City belongs to the Vail Resorts group, a company with 37 resorts in three different countries, the United States, Canada and Australia. The resort has been open to the public for more than 50 years and has always been concerned about the safety of skiers and the protection of the environment.

In 2012, water fountains were installed in Park City, eliminating the consumption of more than 35,000 plastic bottles. In addition, since 2005 the snowmaking department has reduced its carbon footprint by around 1,100 tonnes per year.

To make all this possible, the machinery has been upgraded, reducing energy use by 15% in snowmaking alone. But this is not enough for them, so the resort continues to test new ways to improve systems and reduce energy use even further.

Vail

Vail is the largest ski resort in the United States and belongs to Vail Resorts, one of the largest companies in the sector. The company is fully aware of the problem of climate change and therefore has four jobs completely dedicated to the fight against global warming.

Their goal is to reduce their carbon footprint and waste. To do this, they focus on recycling, composting and waste diversion, as well as improving their infrastructure to reduce energy consumption, most of which comes from renewable sources.

This waste diversion team gets 150 tonnes of cardboard, 90 tonnes of scrap metal, 14 tonnes of compost, 250 tonnes of individual/mixed material, 7,000 gallons of vegetable oil and truckloads of other recyclable materials shipped and reused by various haulers and suppliers each year.