Sustainability

Tracking & Reducing Carbon Emissions

At the end of 2024, we participated in a global research study on the carbon intensity of food served in restaurants and cafeterias. Conducted by the Department of Tourism Research at Linnaeus University, Sweden, the study provided valuable insights into the carbon emissions per serving of our menu items. These findings have given us plenty of ’food for thought’ as we continue to refine and evolve our offerings.

We will begin tracking our carbon emissions using Green Economy Canada CarbonHound platform starting May 1, 2025. This will allow us to measure emissions from the 2024/25 season, supported by an Environmental Management intern joining us in May.

Sustainability Committee & Waste Reduction

In April 2024, we established a cross-departmental Sustainability Committee to drive environmental initiatives. These meetings combine sustainability education with brainstorming sessions to develop solutions tailored to our unique rural location.

One of our first initiatives was conducting a waste audit to assess opportunities for waste reduction. Since forming the committee, we have:

- Introduced a staff reusable cup program, avoiding 12,600 single-use cups in its first season (2024).
- Switched to compostable food trays to reduce landfill waste and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
- Partnered with Eco Dine Zero Waste to recycle our cooking oil, which is refined into useful products supporting Alberta’s agricultural industry.
- Increased collection of recyclable and reusable materials, donating them to local reuse and recycling centers.
- Set a future goal to implement organic waste separation, once a waste disposal company can accommodate our needs.

Repurposing & Reusing Materials

Our terrain park team finds creative ways to repurpose old materials, transforming barrels, scrap wood, and other salvaged items into innovative park features.

For our 70th anniversary, we partnered with Blenderz Garment Recyclers to upcycle retired staff uniforms into bags and accessories - providing guests with a tangible piece of our history while reducing textile waste in landfills.

Alliance Member of Protect Our Winters (POW)

We are committed to protecting the places we play. As an alliance member of Protect Our Winters (POW) Canada, we are taking action to fight climate change and preserve winter sports for future generations.

Reducing Food Waste & Supporting Our Team

At the end of each day, any leftover food from our cafeteria is shared with our hardworking staff — reducing food waste while taking care of our team. At the end of the season, any unopened bulk food items are donated to the Food Bank to support our wider community and ensure nothing goes to waste.

Accessibility for All

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of snowsports. Through our partnership with CADS (Canadian Adaptive Snowsports), we offer accessible programs that make skiing and snowboarding more inclusive.

Our tubing park is also designed to be welcoming to all, ensuring as many people as possible can join in the fun.

Community Giving & Waste Reduction:

As members of the City of Edmonton’s Waste Reduction Network, we gain valuable educational resources and participate in local sustainability initiatives.

Each season, we donate unclaimed lost-and-found clothing items in good condition to the Boys and Girls Club of Canada, giving them a second life in our community.

Giving Back Through Our Weeknight Special

Every weeknight, we offer discounted 4-hour lift tickets to make skiing and snowboarding more affordable. A portion of ticket sales goes directly to local charities, helping us support important causes while making winter fun accessible. Learn More.

Building Sustainability Connections

In September, we participated in the St. Albert Clean & Green River Fest, strengthening our knowledge of local ecosystems and sustainability. Through this event, we connected with regional partners focused on environmental conservation, including:

- Edmonton Native Plant Society
- Edmonton & Area Land Trust
- North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance
- Alberta Invasive Species Council
- Alberta Bats

Smart Spending & Waste Reduction

Each season, rather than purchasing brand-new radios, we rent or trade equipment—reducing costs and minimizing unnecessary waste.

Supporting Local Businesses

We prioritize working with local companies and suppliers, ensuring our spending supports the regional economy while reducing transportation-related emissions.

Sustainable Purchasing Choices

Our commitment to sustainability extends to our procurement decisions. We have transitioned to recycled paper products throughout our administration offices, reducing our environmental impact.

We also focus on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) - ensuring the products we purchase are designed for longevity and responsible disposal. In fall 2025, we will purchase new Snowsport School uniforms from Helly Hansen, the only ski wear manufacturer with an EPR program.