Alta Ski Area founded the Alta Environmental Center (Alta EnCe) to protect and improve the environmental health of Alta. As the stewards of our privately-owned and Forest Service permitted lands, it is our duty to ensure Alta addresses the challenges posed by increased visitation, development, and growth. Our primary focus is on protecting the vegetation, water, and air because these are the cornerstones of Alta’s environmental health.
Alta Ski Area can not achieve sustainability alone and we will work with our partners to develop solutions. Our four primary paths to sustainability will be through:
Sustainability
The Alta EnCe will coordinate all of Alta Ski Area’s environmental efforts and be instrumental in developing and implementing new sustainability initiatives.
Research
Research will be conducted by third-party researchers who are supported by the Alta Environmental Center. The results of environmental research will further our understanding of the canyon environment and enable us to be better stewards of the land.
Education
We hope to stimulate a culture of education by attracting environmental learners and educators to Alta. Through the provision of education support services, we will make Alta an attractive destination for environmentally focused programs.
Database
The EnCe database will warehouse all the information that flows through the organization. Through the assimilation and organization of what has been done—we can determine what needs to be done, and provide a resource for researchers, educators, and students around the world.
Our Current Sustainability Projects
Community Emissions Reduction Campaign
We are working with Town of Alta, Friends of Alta, and ACE to reduce the amount of emissions in the air by joining up with SLC’s Idle Free campaign. We know it’s winter but do you really need to let the car run when you’re not in it? Show your support by picking up an Idle Free sticker at the Main Office, Post Office, or Town of Alta’s office.
Update Environmental Report
We are in the process of updating our 2003-2004 Environmental Report. Click here to check out the original environmental report and see a list of our recent efforts.
Summer 2008 Vegetative Management Study
This summer we revisited Alta’s existing vegetation management plan to evaluate its success, implement improvements, and suggest new revegetation techniques Alta will use in Summer 2009.
Alta Ski Area Baseline Studies
Starting in Fall 2008, the Alta Environmental Center will be developing baselines of Alta Ski Area’s energy use, waste production, water consumption, and emissions output. With this information, Alta will gain further understanding of the affects that operational decisions have on the environment.
