The sustainability framework for ski areas

Founded in 2000, Sustainable Slopes is a way for ski areas to commit to sustainable practices across their operations.

Over 200 U.S. ski areas have signed on to NSAA's Sustainable Slopes program. They demonstrate their commitment to sustainability in 10 topic areas:

The following ski areas have committed to protecting the natural environment:

Ski Area Endorsers (coming soon)

Ski area member resources

Endorse Sustainable Slopes 

Grant Program for Ski Areas

Ski Area Resources   
(Members only)

Sustainable Slopes Annual Report

Current year: 2019 Annual Report

Sustainable Slopes Grant Program

Launched in 2009, the grant program provides cash and in-kind funding to support sustainability projects at NSAA member ski areas. To date, $561,000 in cash and in-kind funding has been awarded to ski areas seeking to reduce their footprint and increase their environmental stewardship.

Thanks to our sponsor HKD Snowmakers for providing equipment to ski areas to make their snowmaking programs more efficient and sustainable.

Congratulations to our 2020 Grant Recipients!

• Schweitzer Mountain Resort (ID) - implementation of plastic/waste reduction plan
• Cochrans Ski Area (VT) - HKD snowmaking grant*
• China Peak Mountain Resort (CA) - HKD snowmaking grant*

* HKD Snowmakers has generously provided both ski areas with in-kind donations of low-energy snowmaking equipment, valued at $25,000 each.

Congratulations to our 2019 Grant Recipients!

Crystal Mountain (WA) - EV chargers installation & capacity expansion
Mt. Hood Meadows (OR) - diesel engine pre-heaters to reduce idling
Sugarbush Resort (VT) - EV supply equipment
Whaleback Mountain (NH) - HKD snowmaking grant

Past Sustainable Slopes Grant Winners

Additional Resources for Ski Areas:

Supply Chain Greening – Policies and Practices

• Supply Chain Sustainability for the Ski and Tourism Industries - What You Need to Know (WEBINAR)
• Best Practice Guide: Creating Impact through Purchasing
• B Resource Guide: Local Purchasing Policy

Archive Research & Guides

• Facts on Snowmaking
• NSAA Study: Profiting from Sustainability (2014)
• Small Resorts Guide to Energy
• "Taking Sustainable Slopes to the Next Level" Guide (2008)
• Greening Your Ski Area: A Pollution Prevention Handbook