Schweitzer Mountain Resort is a proud participant in the National Ski Area Association's Sustainable Slopes Initiative and is making efforts resort-wide to reduce our impact on the environment. We signed this initiative to demonstrate our commitment to environmental protection and stewardship. 

We cannot ignore the fact that our industry does inherently impact the environment, but we are commited to minimizing that impact however possible.

The most notable recent project demonstrating sustainable practices is our new Mountainside slopeside community.  The entire neighborhood (approximately 12, 2800 square foot fractional homes) will be run on geothermal heat.  During the summer of 2009, we demonstrated our environmental commitment by installing this massive geothermal system that is estimated to reduce utility costs by up to 60%.  All the homes and corresponding driveways and roadways will be heated using the highly efficient geothermal system.  The only gas lines to the homes are to the stove and the gas starter wood burning fireplace.  This means that the water, floors and even the air using geothermal coils is heated from the naturally occurring heat found in the ground water (using the reverse process in the summer time.)  Other sustainable aspects of the homes include sustainable building materials and native landscaping. 

In spite of major barriers economically and geographically, Schweitzer has made a significant effort in other sustainability efforts over the last several years in the areas of waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation, and environmental education.  We have come up with some creative solutions to our challenges and here is a summary of what we have done in the following areas:

• Recycling.  There are currently no local options for recycling plastic & glass.  During the 08-09 season, we made the decision to drastically reduce our amount of plastic bottles by switching over to fountain drinks to reduce plastic landfill waste.  In late 2009, we decided to recycle the plastic waste that we do currently generate by driving our plastic recyclables over 60 miles (approximately 1.5 hour drive) to the nearest recycling facility that recycles plastic.  We also have an aggressive aluminum, paper & cardboard recycling program.
• Education. In the summer of 2008, we began an aggressive employee and guest environmental education program to educate employees & guests on the benefits of energy conservation, recycling, and waste management.  We have messages around offices and employee areas to turn off lights, computers, appliances when not in use.  We have made a big push to not run air conditions in the offices in the summer.  We have started a campaign in our hotel to educate guests on conservation efforts (water conservation, reuse towels/bedsheets, turn off appliances, etc.)
• Alternative Energy.  We also purchase 1 million kwh of wind energy credits from regional wind energy producers through a partnership with Northern Lights, Inc.  This is nearly 1/3 of the total electric consumption for the resort.

The results of our programs so far have been really satisfying for our guests, employees, and community.  During 2009, we recycling 15,000 pounds of cardboard & 6,140 pounds of paper/magazines.  Since the start of our aluminum/plastic recycling campaign in Nov. 2009, we have recycled over 300 pounds of aluminum and over 800 pounds of plastic.  The results of our employee education campaign in 2009 resulted in the savings of 11,000 therms of natural gas from the previous year, we reduced our solid waste generation by 50 tons over the previous year, and decreased our electric consumption by 204,900 kwh!

We made a huge effort the last couple of years to convert many of our food & beverage products over to more environmentally friendly products.  By the end of 2009, we converted the following products over to compostable products:  hot beverage containers, fry containers, 10 inch paper plates, cold cups for coffee shops, recycle can lines, and retail shopping bags. 

We also offer shuttle service during the ski season which resulted in the savings of 441,000 vehicle miles travelled (transporting 49,000 people). 

Renewable Energy
Both the Basin Express Quad and the Lakeview Triple are supported by renewable energy through the purchase of Green Tags. Schweitzer participates in the Green Tags Program with Northern Lights, Inc and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation.

During the 08-09 season, enough Green Tags were purchased to offset the energy consumption of three lifts, the Basin Express, Lakeview Triple and Great Escape Quad.

Green Tags are certificates that pay for the production of renewable energy such as wind and solar power which is then introduced into the energy grid.

This purchase reduces the amount of carbon dioxide released into the environment. Schweitzer is proud to join other ski resorts such as Mt. Hood, Park City and Deer Valley to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create a long-term benefit of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels for energy production. Say no to global warming and think snow!

For more information on green tags, renewable energy and what you can do to color your life more green, click here.

Litter
Each spring, our employees collectively walk nine miles of road picking up trash in an effort to keep our roads and water clean.  Our staff works throughout the year to pick up trash at the resort and keep our mountain beautiful.

Community
Schweitzer Mountain Resort is a Gold Star Volunteer for Climate Can (Climate Change Action Network), a group of concerned local citizens who organized in response to growing evidence and concern over the impacts of global warming. 

Environmental Committee  
A group of directors and employees representing all facets of Schweitzer’s operation meets regularly to discuss conservation opportunities and plan for future progress. Look for updates on this page!