On-Mountain Environmental Efforts

Of course, recent years have brought new technology and new ideas in attempts to augment the “green” movement.  While the release of fossil fuels is certainly key to global climate change, the destruction of natural habitats can harbor some effects that are just as devastating.  Humans desire to develop these habitats in multiple ways including for housing developments and commercial buildings.  Yet one of the most interesting ways to develop a natural habitat is for outdoor enjoyment such as that of a ski resort.  A ski resort can encompass hundreds of acres--many of which the trees are cleared from, not to mention the building of base areas and villages which strains the natural resources of the area.  Recently, some mountain companies have made a conscious effort to make environmentally friendly decisions when expanding terrain or adding new technology to their resort. 

First, let’s examine some of the efforts of Stowe Mountain Resort, located in northwestern Vermont.  The newly constructed base area has been designed to be so environmentally friendly that it was designated the recipient of the Audobon’s “Green Community Award.”  It is the first mountain in the nation to receive such an honor. Their efforts include securing a 2,000 acre wildlife preserve, installing energy efficient rooms in the base hotel, using recycled paper, and creating a 110 million gallon snowmaking lake that protects nearby streams from potentially negative water quality impacts. A second mountain that has tried to make an effort is Mount Snow, located in southwestern Vermont.  An upgrade in the snowmaking systems there has eliminated the need for over 200,000 gallon of diesel fuel which equates to approximately 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide. Looking out west, resorts like Deer Valley, located in Utah, are also showing an environmental commitment.   Like Stowe, they have formed a protected area that encompasses close to 1,000 acres as well as maintaing a constant forest management plan.  They also test the water that runs off the mountain, cleaning it of any “total suspended solids.”

It is clear that the call to help the environment is being heard by all.  It will be interesting to see how mountains  continue to make environmentally friendly decisions while still using the land’s resources.