Innovation

Taos Ski Valley is the first ski resort to be B Corp Certified. The company strives to be sustainable in every way possible and encourage others to follow their lead. The official question of New Mexico is “red or green?” They choose green and hope you will too.

Inspiration

Taos is inspired by the environment around them to keep it working and beautiful. They need the environment at its best to do what they love - ski and snowboard. They also believe in taking care of the land around them is part of being a community partner.

Overall impact

Tree thinning has been utilized to reduce the fuel load on the forest floor and prevent forest fires from spreading. Taos has been able to donate ski passes, lessons, and lodging. The ski resort supports local organizations such as The Nature conservancy of New Mexico and Rocky Mountain Youth Corp. Taos supports and rallies for ecological legislation. Taos’ trails manager, John Weinmeister was a finalist for the National Ski Area Association’s Hero of Sustainability Award.

Business benefit

Taos is dependent on snow and the mountain ecosystem in order for their business to work. It is in their best interest to push for a sustainable world - both ecologically and economically for their community. Helping the Northern New Mexico region to be prosperous ensures their area is somewhere people would like to visit and that there will still be employees around to work at the resort. Increasingly, vacationers desire more sustainability. Taos’ efforts in social responsibility encourage these travellers and set an example for other resorts.

Social and environmental benefit

Energy, stewardship, water, waste, and engagement all makeup Taos’ efforts towards social and environmental protection. For energy, the Blake Hotel on site uses ground source heat pumps, LED lighting, and thermostats tied to occupancy sensors. Taos utilizes a snow farming program - they accumulate the snow in more trafficked and more shaded areas so that less artificial snow needs to be produced. The “Hydrate Locally. Help Globally.” initiative removes all disposable water bottles from the resort. Instead reusable ones are offered at the same price and eliminate the crude oil needed to produce the 10,000 disposable water bottles saved per year. Taos is actively involved in forest management and locally sourced food to improve the community and region.

Taos improves their efforts in water use through green building. Water efficient appliances are used and water conscious landscaping accounts for 20% less water use. The resort uses water-based cleaning products to maintain and improve healthy water quality. In addition, restoration of Rio Hondo is underway to revitalize and include the natural element. Life-cycle analysis is used to consider purchasing decisions for the resort. Waste is reduced through reusable dining ware, avoiding pre-packaged and frozen foods, and higher quality uniforms for employees. Scrap materials from the lifts and snowmaking infrastructure are recycled. Wine bottles are reused as building materials for homes. Taos’ engagement is seen through the sustainable speaker series, charitable giving, community programs, and advocacy for more ecological legislation.

Interview

Dave Smith, Communications Manager