For those of us who are conscious of our environment, finding eco-friendly getaways and resorts is a number one priority. Although we may feel closer to nature during mountain trips, not all of these resorts place natural habitats in their frame of reference. The Ski Area Citizen’s Coalition compiled a super-eco list that rated the country’s top ski resorts based on environmental factors for 2014 season.
Nestled in one of the most renown skiing regions, this eco-friendly resort ranked high in habitat protection and water quality. It lacked in maintaining development within already disturbed lands. With hundreds of slopes and attractions, Aspen Mountain is complete with cross country and snowboarding trails and picturesque mountain lodges.
2. Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe, California.
Located near the idyllic Lake Tahoe, the blue skies and white slopes will help you breathe easy, literally. This resort’s highest ranking was in habitat protection and only slightly lower than Aspen Mountain in water quality and conservation. It has 3600 acres, 30 lifts, webcams to view conditions offsite, and more than 170 trails for cross country and hiking.
3. Sundance Resort, Sundance, Utah.
Founded by the “Sundance Kid” himself, Robert Redford, this facility had high marks in habitat protection and scored lower in the energy efficiency category, although they have made significant steps toward amending this and have investment in wind technologies. They provide spa buildings, hiking and biking trails in the summer and even a children’s theater. They also have many wooden Eco Cabins with energy efficient appliances running on the aforementioned wind machines.
4. Aspen Highlands Ski Resort Aspen, Colorado.
The eco-friendly state of Colorado, of course, made the list a few times. Aspen Highlands ranked fourth based on its active environmental policy position and exemplary water quality and conservation. Contrary to many of the other resorts on this list, however, it ranked much lower in the preservation of undisturbed lands.
5. Buttermilk Mountain Resort, Aspen, Colorado.
Rounding up the top five is another Aspen resort. Buttermilk Mountain’s highest ratings were in energy efficiency in already-existing sites, maintaining ski terrain, and water quality. Their ratings lacked in renewable energy resources but the staff is active in passing global warming legislation and other environmental policies. Used by the winter X Games, and rated one of the best places for snowboarding with well-developed pipe and parks, this resort is still eco-active and continues to grow in its environment-friendly role.
So there you have it some fantastic Eco Ski resorts just waiting for you to hit the slopes, check out some great late deals here and you can be hitting them in next to know time. See you in the bar for a nice apres ski beer.