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Sustainability
Sustainability
Our Commitment to the Environment
Powderhorn Mountain Resort is committed to preserving and enhancing the natural resources that are at the core of what makes the Grand Valley such a special place. As part of our commitment to sustainable operating practices, we are taking meaningful steps in a number of areas to reduce our environmental impact such as:
Snowmaking
Powderhorn deployed a gravity-fed snowmaking system in 2020, one of the most energy efficient man-made snow operations in North America.
Waste Reduction
Our first water-bottle filling station has been installed, replacing 18,000 plastic bottles in the first winter alone.
Ride Sharing
Powderhorn employees are encouraged to save gas and ride on our employee shuttle or carpool to work.
Material Recycling
In disposing of our legacy equipment, we recycled over 21,000 pounds of steel in 2024.
Biodegradable Packaging
Guests will find expanded use of biodegradable packaging at the Sunset Grill and the Umbrella Bar.
Energy Efficiency
Over the last three years, we’ve installed new lights and bulbs in the Base Lodge that reduce our energy usage.
We refer to these as our Eco Values, and you may see some of them designated with a graphic icon noting them as such. As part of our commitment to sustainable practices, Powderhorn, and the other Pacific Group Resorts, have joined the National Ski Areas Association Climate Challenge. The Climate Challenge is designed specifically for ski areas to identify, measure and reduce their direct carbon footprint.
You will see several sustainablity initiatives while you are visiting that have been implemented to make a positive difference. Recycling, changes in packaging, no-idling zones, more efficient lighting, the replacement of older less effcient snowmaking equipment, and new lower energy alternatives are a few examples.
We recognize Powderhorn is a very small part of a very large global issue. At the same time we recognize that no matter how big the challenge is, a good company should lead by example. We hope guests will join the Powderhorn team in making a positive impact while you are enjoying the spectacular outdoors.
Since 2018, Powderhorn Mountain Resort has annually completed all requirements for Sustainable Slopes – Climate Change Action from the National Ski Area Association.
