Sustainability
Sustainability Awards and Recognition
Copper Mountain has been an industry leader in sustainability for decades. The resort has made strides to develop and share innovative, restorative methods in and beyond the ski industry.
2024 High Country Conservation Center Green Scene Awards - Sustainable Business Champion Award
Copper was recognized during HC3’s annual ceremony for the resort’s CIRQU recycling program diverting over 3 tons of waste since its inception during the 2022-23 season. The award also recognizes the mountain’s innovation in restoring native biodiversity through our native seed collection program.
2023 National Ski Area Association Golden Eagle Awards - Hero Of Sustainability –Jeff Grasser
Jeff Grasser, Copper’s Senior Resort Operations and Sustainability Manager, was named the NSAA’s Hero of Sustainability at the 2023 Golden Eagle Awards. Jeff is the mastermind behind Copper’s native seed collection program, CIRQU recycling program, and Carbon Sequestration Study. Jeff is passionate about sustainability and sharing best practices with partners across the industry so all can enact game-changing climate techniques.
2023 National Ski Area Association Golden Eagle Awards – Community and Partnerships Finalist
Copper was named a finalist at NSAA’s 2023 Golden Eagle Awards for Community and Partnerships for its Play Forever Community Giving Programs. Copper’s programs have raised over $400,000 in four years for community partners through lift ticket donations.
2022 National Ski Area Association Sustainable Slopes Grant – Copper Ski Conservation Summit
Copper has taken the lead on inspiring collaboration and communication on sustainable practices in the industry. Copper received an NSAA Sustainable Slopes Grant to support the 2nd annual Ski Conservation Summit, where resort partners and local managers were invited to come together to share methods and insight into land conservation.
2021 National Ski Area Association Golden Eagle Awards – Innovation in Sustainability – Native Seed Collection
In 2018, Copper began a native seed collecting program, collecting seeds from five plants on the mountain. The program helps with restorative methods. The program was acknowledged during the 2021 NSAA Golden Eagle Awards with the Innovation in Sustainability award.
NSAA Sustainable Slope Badges
Copper Mountain is proud to have received six National Ski Area Association (NSAA) Sustainable Slope Badges. As an industry leader, Copper's badges represent a dedication to research and planning to conserve our environment and ensure that future generations have the same opportunity to enjoy nature.
Climate Action: Through participating in the NSAA Climate Challenge program, Copper achieves efficiency projects every season. One example of a successful project was creating more efficient lifts & solar panels.
Climate Advocacy: Through the NSAA Climate Challenge program, Copper completes four advocacy actions a year. These actions engage guests in climate change awareness & include direct involvement with local government.
Education & Outreach: Monthly Play Forever employee meetings providing education & engagement with copper staff about environmental action.
Waste Reduction: Recycling & composting efforts to reduce landfill impact.
Design & Construction: Most notably, the Sky Chutes Landing housing development achieved a green certification.
Forest Health & Habitat: Leading the charge by conserving our local ecosystem through unique support for our mountain biodiversity.
