The Associated Press reports that ski areas are increasing efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. Not only is it good for the environment, but the effort may attract environmentally conscious customers. Ski areas impact the environment by clearing trees, altering vegetation and animal habitat, changing watersheds, and using high levels of energy and water.
Each year, the Ski Area Citizens’ Coalition (SACC), a grassroots organization, issues grades for ski areas in 11 western states based on environmental impact. SACC provides both an overall grade and individual grades in habitat protection, watershed protection, climate change, and environmental policies and practices. The grades are based on surveys sent to the ski areas, public records, and information from conservation groups.
