Sustainability Champions.
Leaders in our community. Innovators in our Industry.
A-Basin is located in the beautiful White River national Forest. We are committed to being thoughtful stewards of this exceptional mountain environment so that current and future generations can continue to enjoy it in every season.
Sustainability at A-Basin
More than 20 years ago, Arapahoe Basin co-founded and adopted the National Ski Area Association’s (NSAA) Sustainable Slopes Environmental Charter. The charter pledged the ski industry and member ski areas to be leaders among outdoor recreation providers by committing to environmental stewardship and improving environmental performance in all aspects of their operations. A-Basin remains a leader in ski-area sustainability, regularly winning awards and helping guide our industry and community towards a more sustainable reality. Our efforts are broad, company-wide, and intentionally built into both our culture and business model. By conserving and limiting resource use, protecting our spectacular natural surroundings, working hard to educate our guests and staff, and tirelessly advocating for climate-positive policy both locally and nationally, A-Basin continues to find ways to walk lighter on the planet – even in our ski and snowboard boots. We all have the power to save the POWDER!
OUR GOAL: CARBON NEUTRAL BY 2025
In 2018, the sustainability program made major strides by developing a strategic sustainability plan meant to work alongside the ski area’s master development plan. This plan, and its seven aggressive sustainability goals, are having sweeping effects on the way the ski area operates and driving us toward our ultimate goal of being carbon neutral by 2025.
How We Will Get There
100% Renewable Electricity
75% Waste Diversion
Increase Transportation Efficiency
Ecosystem & Wildlife Conservation
No Net Increase In Water Use
Responsible Procurement
2023 Sustainability Report
Welcome to the 2023 Arapahoe Basin sustainability report, covering the ski area's 2022-2023 ski and ride season. During this season, A-Basin reached perhaps the most significant of our seven goals. Achieving 100% renewable electricity will get us closer to Carbon Neutrality than any of our other goals or initiatives, as it will mitigate 62% of our carbon emissions.
Awards and Accolades
2023 - NSAA Golden Eagle Award
Community and partnership - In its inaugural year, fittingly this award was shared by two resorts: A-Basin and Big Sky, for our collaboration on community and industry-wide sustainability initiatives.
2023 – Colorado Environmental Leadership Program, Gold Business
Colorado’s Department of Public Health and Environment recognized A-Basin for the implementation of numerous sustainability initiatives in pursuit of our aggressive goal of Carbon Neutral by 2025.
2022 – NSAA, Golden Eagle Award, "Climate Change Impact"
A-Basin earned three Golden Eagle nominations this season for the multiple ways we tackle environmental work, including new EV chargers and increased vocal advocacy this year.
2019 - SAM Magazine, Best in Marketing Award, “Best Ritualization of Sustainability”
Sustainability Sundays social media video campaign was recognized for its publishing of "simple, relevant, and achievable, environmental content on a weekly basis …”
2018 - NSAA Golden Eagle Award, "Hero of Sustainability"
Arapahoe Basin Senior Manager of Guest Services, Sha Miklas, was recognized as a Hero of Sustainability for her role in creating and leading the A-Basin sustainability program through its early years.
2017 – Colorado Association for Recycling, Outstanding Business Recycling Program
A-Basin received the award as the Colorado business best exemplifying both community leadership and strong commitment to innovation in their waste reduction efforts.
2014 – NSAA Golden Eagle Award, "Waste Reduction"
A-Basin was recognized with the NSAA’s highest environmental award for the ski area's strong waste reduction efforts.
2008 – NSAA Silver Eagle Award, "Visual Impacts" (Montezuma Bowl)
A-Basin’s Montezuma Bowl terrain expansion was constructed with an emphasis on avoiding environmental impacts and significantly limiting disturbance on the ground.
2005 – NSAA Silver Eagle Award, "Water Conservation" (Snowmaking)
A-Basin developed its snowmaking system to maintain consistent in-stream flows, protect fisheries and wetland ecosystems, improve water quality, and minimize impacts in the Snake River Basin.
SKI & RIDE MORE SUSTAINABLY
Becoming a more sustainable skier or snowboarder doesn’t have to mean giving up all that you love. Between carpooling and using public transportation, purchasing responsibly, and being a more thoughtful visitor, there are tons of things you can do to reduce your emissions. We can all walk lighter on the planet…even in our ski or snowboard boots!
Find out More