2026 Golden Eagle Awards

Golden Eagle logo

Established in 1993, the Golden Eagle Awards are the highest honors bestowed on a ski area for environmental performance. The awards have been updated over the years to reflect changes in sustainability best practices and highlight the importance of climate change action and advocacy. These awards are designed to benefit the entire industry by raising overall environmental excellence standards and promoting the latest best practices in sustainability. Award finalists will be recognized and the winners announced at NSAA's 2026 National Convention & Tradeshow on May 6.

2026 FINALISTS

Award Descriptions

Golden Eagle for Environmental Excellence

Awarded to an industry leader in sustainability with broad programming and a holistic approach leading to overall environmental achievement across their operations.

Climate Change Impact

Powerful initiatives that result in impactful climate change solutions, whether through action, adaptation, advocacy or mitigation.

Innovation in Sustainability

Sustainability is a constantly evolving landscape, and innovation encourages us to go beyond a business as usual approach that can help pave the way for action. This year, we wanted to recognize outstanding sustainability innovators who applied in other award categories.

Community & Partnerships

This award recognizes ski areas that foster a collaborative environment in their community, taking advantage of local partnerships to drive results and inspire others into action against climate change.

Hero of Sustainability

A ski area employee who goes the extra mile to influence company policy and inspire fellow employees or guests toward environmental action.

2026 Golden Eagle Awards Finalists

Congratulations to the Golden Eagle Award finalists! Join us May 6, 2026, in Carlsbad, CA, at National Convention and Tradeshow  where we will award our winners.

Overall Environmental Excellence

  • Alta Ski Area, UT
  • Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, CO
  • Vail Resorts, CO

Community & Partnerships

  • Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, CO & Steamboat Ski & Resort, CO
  • Brundage Mountain Resort, ID
  • Schweitzer, ID

Climate Change Impact

  • Kirkwood Mountain Resort, CA
  • Jay Peak Resort, VT
  • Wisp Resort, MD

Hero of Sustainability

  • Yann Benjamin | Big Sky Resort, MT
  • Fritz Bratschie | Vail Resorts, CO
  • Nate Collins | Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, ID
  • Kayla King | Massanutten Resort, VA

Past Golden Eagle Award Winners