Mont Sutton in Eastern Canada received three awards at the Quebec Ski Area Association (ASSQ) annual convention including one for environment and sustainable development.

Since its creation in 1960, Mont Sutton has become well known for its respect of the environment and concern for the preservation of nature. This Eastern Townships ski station was developed with a certain emphasis on the concept of glade skiing - a concept that has spread across the North America ski area in recent years, which restricted the cutting of trees on the hill.

In 2006, Mont Sutton made an inventory of its “green actions” undertaken over the years to keep the resort at the front of sustainable action. Following this, a code of conduct has been created, which is called Sutton’s Conscience Code. The objective of this is to add new actions to the code each year in order to reduce the ecological print and to make Sutton’s Conscience Code a reference and working tool about sustainable development.

Veronica adds “The glades concept of a thinned out forest is a great example of the innovation we need in skiing.   It provides challenge and fun for skiers, whilst maintaining forest cover.   Responsible Skiing is about balancing the needs of skiing with protection of the environment and reducing the the impacts.   This negates the need for endlessly creating more piste to attract people – you could have hours of fun in the glades where every run is different and new show conditions provide extra challenge”.
 
 
Whistler Blackcomb has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the second year in a row and given recognition for its renewable energy development, waste reduction and land conservation initiatives.

“We are thrilled to accept this award on behalf of our 3,800 employees,” says Dave Brownlie, President and Chief Operating Officer at Whistler Blackcomb. “This recognition could not be possible without the dedication, passion and commitment our staff and guests have shown to reducing waste and conserving energy. This is an award that we all can be proud of.”

Whistler Blackcomb participates in innovative renewable energy projects and encourages its staff and guests to become environmental stewards. The company received special recognition for its involvement in the Fitzsimmons Creek Run-of-River project.

Located in the middle of the ski area underneath the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, this hydro-powered renewable energy plant became operational earlier this year. This project, created in partnership with Innergex Renewable Energy and Ledcor Power Group, produces enough energy to match the total annual energy consumption of the ski area’s operating footprint (including lifts, mountain restaurants, and snowmaking).

In just one year from 2008 to 2009, Whistler Blackcomb’s food and beverage division, which includes 18 restaurants, reduced its waste by 75 per cent.

Meanwhile, Whistler Blackcomb staff participate in a range of environmental programs, carpooling groups, energy conservation programs and community efforts, such as the Habitat Improvement Team (HIT). To date, Whistler Blackcomb employees have also donated $250,000 to the Whistler Blackcomb Environment Fund, which funds green projects in the community.

“We are very grateful and inspired by the recognition,” says Arthur DeJong, Whistler Blackcomb’s Mountain Planner and Environmental Resource Manager. “Of course, with this award comes the humility of knowing we have so much further to go.”

Veronica Tonge comments “It just shows what is possible within a skiing context if the will and energy are there.   Whistler is, of course, run by the company Intrawest as opposed to a local community which can sometimes make decision-making easier as there are fewer organisations involved.   Nonetheless, with Intrawest’s well documented financial difficulties, it is so encouraging to see that importance has still been placed on the environment.   Where the team at Whistler has particularly succeeded is in creating drive and pride with the staff and community themselves.   The momentum is arguably with the staff and the community themselves now – and would continue even without Intrawest.     Whistler is demonstrating that they believe their environmental stewardship is a differentiating factor that will give them competitive advantage in the long term.   It is so encouraging to see what can be achieved and the diverse range of projects and ideas when there is the passion and belief that you can make a difference”.