Contact: Troy Hawks
NSAA Communications
(720) 963-4215
thawks@nsaa.org

Ski Industry Releases Annual Environmental Report
Grant Program Generates $100,000 Worth of Environmental Funding and In-Kind Donations.

LAKEWOOD, Colo., September 7, 2010 - The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) today released its 10th Sustainable Slopes Annual Report detailing the ski industry’s progress in implementing the principles of its Environmental Charter during the 2009/10 season. Based on a survey of member resorts, the report highlights resorts’ progress in conserving energy and water, reducing solid waste, educating employees and guests, and partnering with communities. Over 190 resorts endorse the Environmental Charter, representing about 75 percent of the ski industry by visits. The primary focus of the Sustainable Slopes program last season was implementing and improving upon the new Sustainable Slopes Grant Program.

“We are thrilled to see the Sustainable Slopes Grant Program reach the $100,000 mark in only its second year, and we’re confident that the implementation of these grants at our member ski areas are paying great dividends,” said NSAA President Michael Berry.

The Annual Report highlights the generous donations from sponsors and partners that make the grant program a success, including two, in-kind snowmaking grants from NSAA supplier member Snow Economics, Inc., and sister company HKD Snowmakers. The two in-kind grants of 10 SV10 high efficiency snowmaking guns have a total value of $80,000 and were awarded to Mt. Abram in Maine and Crested Butte in Colorado. The Report further highlights four cash grants sponsored by energy bar maker CLIF Bar & Co. and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) awarded to resorts for the following programs: an energy management and interpretive signage projects at Alta Ski Area (UT); an electric bike used for resort maintenance at Crested Butte (CO); water bottle refilling stations at Grand Targhee (WY); and a composting pilot project at Stevens Pass (WA). A copy of the 75-page 2010 Sustainable Slopes Annual Report is available in the Sustainable Slopes section of NSAA’s website under the Environment menu at www.nsaa.org.

 THE NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION, LOCATED IN LAKEWOOD, COLO., IS A TRADE ASSOCIATION FORMED IN 1962 FOR SKI AREA OWNERS AND OPERATORS NATIONWIDE.

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