Greenest Ski Resort In The World?

Whistler, Canada.

What is the greenest ski resort in the world?

At LiveTravelMountains, we’re passionate mountain travelers always asking that question, looking for green trends at mountain resorts like Whistler (above).

Recently, Sustainable Travel International announced that Timberline Lodge and Ski Area in Oregon’s Mount Hood National Forest has become the first ski resort in the world to receive third-party certification through its Sustainable Tourism Eco-certification Program (STEP).

STEP addresses environmental, socio-cultural and economic issues facing the tourism industry and the planet, including global climate change; biodiversity preservation; water and waste management; economic development and social issues.

Says Brian T. Mullis, CEO of Sustainable Travel International:

“STEP is becoming ‘the gold standard’ in sustainable tourism certification in the travel and tourism industry because of its regimented and thorough criteria. As more industry leaders like Timberline Lodge embrace sustainability, we are hoping that it has a multiplier effect, raising the bar for other hoteliers and ski resorts who also aspire to engage in best practices.”

Here are some of Timberline Lodge’s practices that lead up to the certification :

• Employee Green Team’
• Partnership with the US Forest Service and the Friends of Timberline;
• Health and safety program for employees and guests;
• Company-wide recycling program including in-room recycling for overnight guests;
• Energy reduction plan and recent energy efficiency upgrades of new thermo pane windows;
• Charitable giving program dedicated to benefiting children throughout the state of Oregon.;
• Guest donation program to benefit the National Forest Foundation and the Friends of Timberline and
• Long-term planning that focuses on the authenticity of the Timberline experience.

Image courtesy of Tourism British Columbia