The pristine slopes of Utah's mountains attract skiers and snowboarders from around the world each winter. Behind this picturesque scene, however, lies a concerted effort by resorts across the state to reduce waste, eliminate single-use plastics, and protect the mountain environments that make Utah skiing legendary.
As David Fields, President and General Manager at Snowbird, states, “Climate in Utah is changing rapidly. We need to take deliberate action now.”
From Alta's storied slopes to Park City's expansive terrain, Utah's ski destinations are implementing innovative waste reduction strategies that benefit the environment and improve the guest experience. How are some of Utah’s ski resorts tackling the challenge of waste on the mountain?
A Statewide Commitment to Sustainability
The urgency of environmental action is clear to Utah's ski industry. As Ski Utah's sustainbaility initiatives recognize, climate change represents a significant threat to winter recreation in the state. This reality has mobilized resorts to take meaningful action, with waste reduction forming a critical part of their broader sustainability efforts.
Ski Utah's sustainabilty resources identify four key pillars of sustainability for Utah's ski industry: energy, transportation, waste and water. Through this collaborative initiative, many of Utah's fifteen resorts are implementing sustainable practices across all facets of their operations, recognizing that protecting the environment is essential for preserving both natural resources and the $1.4 billion winter tourism economy that supports 20,000 jobs in the state.
Eliminating Single-Use Plastics
One of the most visible sustainability efforts across Utah resorts is the push to reduce or eliminate single-use plastics. Deer Valley Resort has taken a leadership role in this area, installing water bottle filling stations throughout its property to reduce plastic bottle waste. These convenient stations make it easy for guests to refill reusable bottles rather than purchasing disposable ones, significantly cutting down on plastic waste.
This approach is echoed at other resorts across the state. Visitors can contribute to the resorts’ efforts by bringing a reusable water bottle and taking advantage of convenient refill locations throughout different lodges. This combined effort to eliminate the massive waste that comes from plastic water bottles is an important step in the right direction.
Beyond water bottles, resorts are addressing other sources of plastic waste. Deer Valley has incorporated biodegradable products in its operations, demonstrating how even small changes can make a significant difference when implemented at scale. Other resorts are working to reduce or remove all disposable plastic silverware from their lodges, another important effort to cut back on single-use plastics.
Comprehensive Waste Management
Alta Ski Area exemplifies the comprehensive approach many resorts are taking to waste reduction. Their environmental stewardship program includes recycling a wide range of materials – paper, glass, aluminum, cardboard, food waste, batteries, appliances, and even used oil. This extensive recycling program ensures that valuable resources are recovered and reused rather than sent to landfills.
At Snowbasin Resort, sustainability initiatives focus on preserving and protecting natural resources for future generations. Their approach includes not just recycling but also water conservation, energy efficiency, and forest health management, recognizing that waste reduction is just one component of a holistic environmental strategy.
Sundance Resort, with its deep-rooted conservation legacy established by founder Robert Redford, incorporates recycling, composting, and green purchasing as part of their daily operations. Since 1969, this commitment to environmental stewardship has been woven into the fabric of the resort, demonstrating how sustainability can become an integral part of a resort's identity and operations.
Corporate Leadership in Sustainability
Park City Mountain Resort, operating under Vail Resorts' Epic Promise commitment, is part of an ambitious corporate sustainability initiative with bold targets. Their parent company has pledged to achieve zero net emissions and zero waste to landfill by 2030 – concrete goals that drive tangible action.
This commitment has already shown measurable results. In 2023, Vail reached 100% renewable electricity in all of their resorts in North America. They also decreased waste sent to the landfill by 6.1 million pounds–a 36% reduction–and have recorded 15% energy efficiency savings from the baseline they set in 2017. These numbers demonstrate ongoing efforts to recognize and address the serious impact that intentional dedication to sustainability can have.
Designing for Sustainability
Newer facilities like Woodward Park City have had the advantage of incorporating sustainability from the ground up. Their environmental focus includes pursuing LEED certification for their base building, installing water-efficient plumbing fixtures throughout the facility, and emphasizing energy efficiency and green power. By designing waste reduction into their operations from the beginning, these newer facilities establish sustainability as a core operating principle rather than an afterthought.
Similarly, Powder Mountain emphasizes that preservation of the natural environment in its most pristine condition is one of its core values. Their approach includes off-grid design and construction, recycling and waste management, and watershed protection – a holistic view of sustainability that places waste reduction within a broader environmental context.
Guest Engagement in Waste Reduction
Resorts recognize that meaningful environmental progress requires participation from everyone on the mountain. Snowbird's Play Forever initiative guides not only how they operate their resort but also how they connect with and serve their guests, employees, partners, and community. By engaging visitors in their sustainability efforts, resorts extend their environmental impact beyond their operational boundaries.
Many resorts provide guidance for guests who want to participate in waste reduction efforts. Simple actions like using water bottle refill stations, properly sorting waste into appropriate receptacles, and opting for reusable silverware instead of disposable while dining make it easy for visitors to contribute to these initiatives. Educational materials at resorts help guests understand the importance of these small actions in protecting mountain environments.
The Future of Mountain Sustainability
As documented in their sustainability materials, Utah's ski destinations continue to enhance their waste reduction programs as part of broader environmental initiatives. These efforts reflect a growing recognition throughout the industry that environmental stewardship and exceptional recreation experiences go hand in hand.
For skiers and snowboarders visiting Utah's mountains, these sustainability initiatives offer an opportunity to enjoy world-class terrain while supporting resorts that are actively working to protect the environments they depend on. By bringing reusable gear, properly sorting waste, and learning about resort sustainability efforts, visitors become partners in preserving Utah's legendary mountains for generations to come.
After all, the future of skiing in Utah depends not just on the next snowfall but on the collective commitment of resorts and guests to protect the natural beauty and resources that make mountain recreation possible.
