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Sustainability

At Aspen Snowmass, we take the long view because climate change is an existential threat not only to the ski industry and our way of life, but to life itself.

We hope to create a sustainable future by implementing green operations—from using solar energy across our mountains to offering low-impact dining options—as well as forging change at the policy level. But there is always more work to do—and our future depends on it.

The reality is, tweaking our business operations and cutting our carbon footprint is not enough—systemic problems require systemic solutions. Environmentalist and author Bill McKibben put it best, “By all means, go screw in that efficient light bulb, but then go screw in a new senator.”

That’s why we use our voice and influence to tackle climate change at the policy level. Because that’s what it will take.
25 Years of Questions cover

2024 Aspen One Sustainability Report

We are focused on modeling solutions, expanding our influence, convening leaders on sustainability to upend the current model and have a more meaningful impact, and spreading the word to double down on the fight against climate change.

...And to Accomplish These Goals

Our priorities and main areas of focus are:

Climate Action

Leveraging our influence to advance climate solutions.

Tolerance and Diversity

Embracing and advocating for inclusivity and understanding in our business and in the community.

Social Justice

Fighting for education, child care, our community and improving health outcomes in all communities.

Engagement

Stakeholder and civic engagement and communication (e.g. employees, guest, community).

Featured Initiatives

Can Skiing Survive Climate Change?

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Climate change poses an existential threat to the ski industry, and Aspen Snowmass has known this for a long time. A warmer climate means less snow and less snow means a shorter season for snowboarders and skiers—we've already lost about 30 days of the ski season since 1980.

NPR correspondent Kirk Siegler first covered the issue 15 years ago as local station reporter in Aspen and talked to Aspen Skiing Company's VP of Sustainability, Auden Schendler. This year, Siegler returned to Aspen and tells Short Wave co-host Aaron Scott about Aspen Snowmass' many efforts to push the nation toward clean energy and how those efforts are not longer radical, but a model for businesses everywhere.

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