In Colorado, snow sports are more than a winter pastime – they are a way of life. And while visitor traffic to the slopes is increasing, the snowpack is decreasing as a result of the impacts of climate change. To help save the ski industry, resorts are adopting sustainable practices and advocating for policy change to ensure their operations — and the beloved lifestyle — continue to thrive.
Eldora Mountain Resort, nestled among the Rocky Mountains in Boulder County, Colorado, is no stranger to this new reality; already, it has delayed and extended its snowmaking seasons due to climate change. That’s just one reason the resort is leveraging green initiatives to make its operations more sustainable and accessible.
“Sustainability is a core value of Eldora,” said Hunter Wright, the resort’s director of sustainability and project development. “It’s not just about the environment — it’s a corporate responsibility that includes supporting people and communities. Our goal is to minimize our impact, enhance the mountain experience and ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the outdoors.”
From snowmaking to running chairlifts, electricity is essential to Eldora’s operations. Beginning in the summer of 2024, it has powered its resort with 100% renewable electricity. This achievement mitigates 75% of its carbon emissions and helped the resort meet its renewable electricity goal ahead of schedule.
Achieving 100% renewable electricity
To make the transition to renewable energy possible, Eldora joined Xcel Energy’s Renewable*Connect and Renewable*Connect Flex Programs, which source wind and solar energy from a blend of renewable electricity projects. Eldora’s Caribou Lodge, which serves as the ski and ride school and headquarters of Ignite Adaptive Sports, is a prime example of their commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. Ignite serves 300 athletes with disabilities annually and is the only adaptive snow sports program in the Front Range.
When designing the lodge, Eldora enrolled in Xcel Energy’s Energy Efficient Buildings Program to identify energy-efficient construction strategies and take advantage of rebates. The program awarded Eldora $12,500 in rebates for high-efficiency food and beverage equipment.
“Sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives are critical to Eldora Mountain and Xcel Energy’s success.” said Joe Limone, Xcel Energy’s account manager for the resort. “Eldora walks the walk, and they work very hard to reduce their energy consumption and use energy from renewable sources.”
Eldora has taken other steps to reduce its environmental footprint, including installing 52.65kW and 7.7kW solar arrays on its Caribou Lodge and Nordic Center to generate renewable energy onsite, with excess energy going back to the power grid. The resort also offers 30 electric vehicle charging stations for its guests and employees — with more chargers on the way — and operates hybrid and electric fleet vehicles, including shuttle buses for guests.
Prioritizing collective responsibility
For Eldora, reducing its carbon footprint goes beyond the slopes. The local economy and community are also at the heart of its commitment to sustainability. As the town of Nederland’s largest employer, Eldora employs 700 people.
Through its Play Every Wednesday partnership with Subaru of America, the resort donates $20 from every lift ticket and ski lesson sold on Wednesdays throughout the season. Through its Play Forever Fund, Eldora has contributed more than $260,000 to local nonprofits since 2020. Eldora also works with organizations, such as Neighborhood Uplift, to reduce cost barriers and increase access to winter sports.
“Sustainability and protecting nature should first start with an opportunity to know that nature is important,” said Quincy Shannon, CEO of Neighborhood Uplift. “Why would I... save something I don’t feel I have access to? One thing I am truly appreciative of Eldora [for] is this ability to share it with others.”
To cut transportation greenhouse gas emissions, the resort provides complimentary RTD passes and shuttle service for guests and employees on weekends during peak season. This represents an annual investment of $20,000 and demonstrates Eldora’s commitment to sustainability beyond its borders.
“These achievements demonstrate what’s possible when the ski industry prioritizes sustainability and takes bold action to reduce its carbon footprint,” said Wright. “By leading the way in clean energy adoption, we’re inspiring our community, partners and industry peers to join us in preserving our winters for generations to come.”