US resorts step up to Climate Challenge

7th May 2011, by Chris Gill

Utah is doing its bit to help the environment. [Canyons - (c)Ashmore]

Eight US ski areas are reported to have signed up for the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) 2011 Climate Challenge – to encourage resorts to target their plans and developments towards a more eco-friendly environment, reducing carbon emissions.

It’s a newly created competition and part of the NSAA’s Sustainable Slopes programme, with a friendly and relaxed approach but to ‘inspire action and effort to flight climate change’. It is designed to give recognition to ski areas that are setting goals for carbon reduction and reducing their overall carbon footprint.

The challenge means that resorts must commit to, and implement, at least one measurable action each year. They will also be required to complete a carbon inventory and set carbon goals. In return, they will receive appropriate guidance and training on how best to achieve these goals.

So for Utah’s Alta, Canyons and Park City resorts; for Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin and Telluride areas, and for Jackson Hole, Jiminy Peak and Mt, Hood Meadows, the challenge is set for a greener ski area environment.

For example this winter, Wyoming’s Grand Targhee ski area (near Jackson Hole) invited all its guests to replace single-use bottled water with reusable bottles and tap water. The resort installed water refill stations as part of the plan.

You can find out more about the Challenge and NSAA at: www.nsaa.org/nsaa/environment/

• colorado
• utah
• environment
• climate

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