Developing an Environmentally Friendly Alpine and XC Ski Organization. Key Goals of VRAD. Kovacs, N. Santucci, D. May 5, 2004. Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources. University of Vermont.
Introduction
Many alpine ski areas highly impact the environment. A few examples of this negative impact are seen at many large western resorts. The people of Vermont, however have a strong belief in environmental stewardship. For this reason along with its own ethics, the Vermont Recreational Athletic Development (VRAD) sets forth a mission of environmental stewardship during and after its development. Goals will be based on examples set by other eco-friendly alpine and cross-country resorts. In hopes to be a leader in the winter recreation field in Vermont, VRAD proposes clear environmental goals, which reflect Vermont’s commitment to the natural world. These goals include but are not limited to protecting scenic areas, conserving undeveloped and undisturbed habitat and mitigating impact on developed habitat, practicing and encouraging recycling and conservation of resources and proper waste disposal, and educating staff and the community on the importance of environmental stewardship and teaching ecological concepts. These goals will help VRAD focus on specific attributes of operation later in development that will mitigate impact and encourage outdoor interaction.
The biggest impact a ski area can have on the environment is over-development. No matter how friendly the design process, construction and expansion of a ski area creates a large impact on the environment. Crested Butte's new expansion will impact 46,112 ft2 of wetland and an additional 7,245 ft2 will be temporarily impacted, along with 1,978 ft2 of drainage channels and 121,679 ft2 of wetland shrubs (SACC 1997). Many proposed lifts will have a maximum (3 of 3) disturbance on wildlife and vegetation while being constructed in highly erosive areas (Conrad 2001). Plans to build a restaurant on a 48% slope (SACC 1997), could lead to high erosion as well. The plan will affect wildlife, old-growth forest and other habitat, and construction areas provide an ideal environment for invasive weeds. Alteration of riparian habitat that undoubtedly comes with development will most likely displace many songbird species and small mammals. Vail Resorts (VR) follow a similar attitude as Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR). Proposed expansion for all VR resorts have major expansion plans. These expansion plans may affect the neighboring wildlife corridors, specifically at Vail because of its location in the corridor zone. Further expansion may affect the quality of the corridor zone and therefore wildlife will avoid the area, bypassing the corridor and returning to its original habitat. VR also opposed president Clinton's roadless area protection initiative, and they also opposed the White River National Forests revisions of Alternative D (SACC 2002). Lastly, VR violated section 404 of the clean water act by creating an illegal road through a wetland (SACC 2002). Whether by accident or on purpose negligence of the clean air and water bill shows the apathetic view of VR for the environment. Although VRAD is still in a conceptual stage and is not the size of CBMR or VR, goals of becoming a widespread, successful organization should be and are part of VRAD's goals. It is important to outline the negative examples of large ski resorts so that VRAD can have a clear goal right from the start.
Other large alpine resorts have followed a completely different path as the
aforementioned ones. Out west, Aspen resorts was a finalist in SKI magazine’s 2003 Golden Eagle Award for Overall Environmental Excellence. Aspen converted all of its snow cats to bio-fuel, keeping 600,000 pounds of pollutants out of the air every year (Naomi 2002). It also supports many conservation initiatives, such as the Kyoto Protocol and the roadless area protection initiative and was given an A for environmental interaction by the ski areas citizen coalition (SACC 2003). Sundance has a unique recycling program in that they take all wine, beer and other glass bottles and turn them into drinking glasses, bowls, and pitchers (SACC 2003). In the east, Sugarbush was a finalist in the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) Golden Eagle Award for Overall Environmental Excellence. Wetland rehabilitation initiatives in surrounding riparian habitat, along with the installation of an AC drive and motor into their Green Mountain Express Chairlift show Sugarbush’s commitment to the environment. The new motor increased lift efficiency to 95%, eliminating the need for an estimated 26,000-kilowatt hours of electricity per year (VSAA 2003). Hardwood Hills in Oro Station Ontario conserves water by recycling gray water from their septic system for use in their snowmaking operations. There they use a 3 tier septic system which diverts waste water to the snowmaking pond (Weinden 2004).
Several other areas in the east including but not limited to Jay Peak, Middlebury College Snow Bowl, Mount Snow, Okeemo, Stratton, Sugarbush, Smuggler’s Notch and Killington have all taken measures to create riparian stream, forest and/or marsh/wetland habitat in or surrounding their property (VSAA 2003). The American Ski company is well known for its conservation attitude. Killington set aside 3,800 acres of conservation land and donates to land trusts (VSAA 2003).
Besides mitigation of impact from expansion and snowmaking, environmental outreach may be the most important issue a resort can address. A resort must create a beneficial human-environment relationship. For XC resorts/areas it is essential to their livelihood. Attracting less thrill-seekers and more outdoorsmen than alpine skiing, cross-country skiing relies on the environment for business. For this reason many areas have info stations for self-guided wildlife tours along the trails. The result is a personal interaction with nature which helps educate people about ecology. Mad River Glen’s wildlife program has earned them the NSAA Silver Eagle Award for Environmental Education. Their ‘naturalist’ program gives resort visitors the enthusiasm (and skills) to enjoy the outdoors while at the same time learning about ecology. The programs range from full-moon snowshoe treks to wildlife tracking workshops, from bird watching excursions to a junior naturalist program, and from wilderness cross-country ski tours to wildflower walks and foliage hikes (VSAA 2003). Fierce Chase XC ski area offers similar programs. They have guided-monthly moonlit snow tours which teach tracking and ecology skills. The creation of an ‘outdoor’ connection is in the best interest of all alpine areas and the environment.
Program Goals
Learning from all the good and bad examples of environmental interaction among alpine and XC ski resorts allows VRAD to create its own unique way of adhering to these practices. The charter proposed by the NSAA is one that VRAD will proudly pledge to. VRAD will join the many other Vermont ski areas and environmental groups that hold true to this pledge:
Ski areas across North America provide a quality outdoor recreation experience in a manner that complements the natural and aesthetic qualities that draw all of us to the mountains. We cherish the outdoors and respect the alpine environment in which we live and work. We are committed to improving environmental performance in all aspects of our operations and managing our areas to allow for their continued enjoyment by future generations (Sustainable Slopes, 2000)
VRAD hopes to sign this charter, specifically focusing attention onto three areas. VRAD will take the environment into account (1)in the planning, design, and construction processes, (2) operation and maintenance processes, and (3) Educational and outreach programs (Sustainable Slopes).
Planning, Design, and Construction
VRAD will start their planning, design, and construction process in a ‘green’ manner. Some principles include, but are not limited to green buildings (LEED certified), having no net loss of trees, including as many green spaces as possible, and developing in density specific manner, therefore limiting developmental sprawl. Existing buildings will be retrofitted to meet these standards.
Operations
VRAD will be an environmental leader in the operation process. VRAD will maximize conservation of water resources. This includes, but is not limited to the purchase of low flow valves and flush systems for operations in the lodge. We will look at the best way to utilize snow making with out draining storage ponds. We will also make efforts in recapturing runoff and snowmelt, lessening the amount of water needed in retention ponds for snowmaking. VRAD will conserve water by developing a septic system that converts its gray water from septic systems to useable water for the snowmaking pond, similar to Hardwood Hills.
During day-to-day operations, energy conservation and use will be a concern for VRAD. VRAD will utilize low energy lifts similar to Sugarbush and use high efficiency snowmaking equipment. Energy will also be conserved by using an unspecified amount of renewable energy for its operation, such as wind and solar power for electricity and bio-diesel fuel for its maintenance vehicles. These measures have already been used at many resorts, including Aspen and Sugarbush. Also VRAD will install ‘Energy Star’ appliances when possible and will make sure all buildings are energy efficient in design. VRAD will also try to promote and supply public transit to its ski areas, in order to reduce CO2 emissions.
VRAD will be taking a strong stance on waste management. By making recycling and composting available in all buildings this will help. VRAD will encourage recycling and will try to buy items in bulk to reduce packing materials. VRAD will also make sure all hazardous materials ends up in the proper areas and will be recycled when possible.
VRAD will set high standards for fish and wildlife. VRAD will set aside conservation areas and undisturbed land to ensure habitat protection. VRAD will also facilitate and/or participate in ecological surveys and studies (wherever/whenever feasible) of wildlife and vegetation. VRAD will also make sure there is a program set aside to educate the public of the wildlife in the area.
Forest and Vegetation are a huge part of a ski area and VRAD will make sure that these areas are well protected and looked after. VRAD will sustainable and selectively cut down trees to make way for new trails. VRAD will look after wetlands as well. Limited access to fragile habitats will be practiced. VRAD will facilitate education of the public on critical issues involving property/trails and surrounding land.
Air quality and the visual quality of the landscape will be taken into consideration. VRAD will try to reduce green house emissions when possible. VRAD will use earth tones on lifts and lodges so they do not stand out in a natural environment. VRAD will plant as many trees and shrubs as possible and will include programs to fight invasive species of plants and other non-native organisms.
Education and Outreach
VRAD is not only promoting skiing, but it is promoting a chance to be outside. VRAD wants to establish an environmental education program, where people can come to the land and learn more about the environment and habitat surrounding them. The program can include, but should not be limited to, nature trails, Guided naturalist programs, self guided nature walks, educational signs and awareness signs. These types of programs would bring non skiers to the area as well as skiers and help them enjoy the nature and beauty of Vermont.
Closing Statement
Despite, the recreational and aesthetic value of skiing, it always impacts the environment to some degree. Their is a maximum number of individuals that can visit and recreate an area without leaving a human footprint. However, initiatives can be taken to mitigate these affects. Furthermore, skiing has a beneficial value to the environmental philosophy. Despite creating a local disturbance, an ecologically friendly resort may leave a lasting impression on the thinking and actions of individuals and communities. Outdoor interaction creates a preferable lifestyle that encourages environmental stewardship. Instilling an environmental ethic in a recreational program is essential to its effectiveness and completeness of creating healthy lifestyles. An environmental ethic must be present at the beginning of the program.
Works Cited
1. No author. Sustainable Slopes: The Environmental Charter for Ski Areas. 14 June 2000. National Ski Area Association. accessed: 3 May 2004. Online: environ_charter/charter2k.pdf.
2. Conrad, M.J. Public Notice# 200175439. US Army Corps of Engineers. October 16, 2001. Sacramento, California. Online:
3. No author. Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Vail Ski resorts. Sundance Resort. Ski Area Citizens Coalition (SACC). 2003. accessed April 12, 2004. Online: bin/report.cgi?region=conm&area=5.
4. Laura Estes. Ski Areas Environmental Management. Pollution Prevention Center. May 5, 2004. accessed May 4, 2004. Online:
5. Friedman, Eric. Mad River Glen’s Naturalist Program Carry’s Out CO-OP’s Environmental Commitment. 2003. Accessed May 4, 2004. Online:
6. No author. Environment. Education Programs, Recognition and Recent Highlights. 2003. Vermont Ski Areas Association. Accessed May 4, 2003. Online:
7. Havlen, Naomi. Skico Prepares to Use ‘French Fry Fuel.’ The Aspen Times. V 15 no 79, April 19, 2002. p.p.1.