Skiing enthusiasts once chose a resort based on its amenities and how much fresh powder was on the slopes. Nowadays, eco-conscious skiers are considering how sustainable a ski resort may be before booking their vacation.

On the surface, it may not seem that ski resorts would have a big impact on the environment. But ski resorts actually impact the environment in a number of different ways, including via carbon emissions. Ski resorts rely on a lot of energy to fuel daily operations. From powering chair lifts to making sure slopes and grounds are illuminated and groomed to the energy needed to run adjacent hotels, the carbon footprints from ski resorts can be large.

Ski resorts help keep small resort towns alive and financially solvent. Condominiums and other places to live become essential for workers and those who have relocated to the area. Many times housing communities are thrown up quickly without adequate consideration for planning and preservation of open spaces — factors that can affect local wildlife. Furthermore, the ski resort itself has a direct impact on the surrounding environment. Oftentimes, the landscape is artificially managed to allow for certain level ski runs, with trees removed and terrain grading changed. Ponds and rivers may be tapped for water to generate artificial snow. These changes can impact animal habitats and natural preservation of the area.

Where there are scores of visiting people there is bound to be waste. Excess waste is often generated from ski resorts that produce an abundance of trash.

There are many ski resorts that are taking notice of the way they impact the environment. Some recognize they can improve the planet and their bottom lines if sustainable changes are made. Some resorts, like Vail Resorts, are embracing wind power to run lifts, restaurants and hotels. Aspen Skiing Company in Colorado is often hailed as one of the greenest resorts and has implemented many green changes, including a green building policy. Smuggler’s Notch in Vermont has made many green efforts. The resort’s initiatives include wildlife and habitat protection, energy efficiency, recycling, and water conservation. They also educate people about fuel waste through idling and give tours of the wastewater treatment facility. Park City Mountain Resort in Utah conducts an annual energy use audit to calculate its carbon footprint. These audits have helped reduce the resort’s carbon footprint by more than 15,000 tons.

Recognizing that many vacationers want to use a resort that observes environmentally sustainable practices, the skiing industry is changing its ways with respect to the environment. Travelers can now find many resorts boasting green practices.

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