Sasha on the Street

Blue Moutain, Ontario’s Premier Snow Resort, is getting a little greener. Located about 160km north-west of Toronto, just outside of Collingwood is some of the best skiing in Ontario.

Blue Moutain Resort is unique in that it has a department solely dedicated to preserving the environment. With a dedicated staff their goal is to

“to be recognized as a leader among four-season resort destinations in Canada for our exceptional commitment to the environment in which we live, work and play and for continually striving to achieve resort-wide sustainability.”

How are they doing this?

• Providing reusable dishes and cutlery in lodges, which elimates 11,400 polystyrene containers!
• Diverting organic waste from landfills to the industrial composting program – in 2007 500 tonnes were diverted
• Extensive recycling program – in 2007 300 tonnes of materials were diverted from landfills.
• The Co-Generation Project – a combined heat and power system that recovers thermal energy to heat water at the Blue Mountain Inn
• Replaced old light bulbs with new compact fluorescents or LEDs – reducing consumption by 1,130,000 kWh annually

Blue Mountain employs several other conversational and innovative environmental initiatives. As a member of the Sustainable Slopes Initiative of the National Ski Areas Association. As well they are contributors to the environmental corner of the Ontario Snow Resort Associate.

Skiing is a passion of mine, I believe it promotes a healthy lifestyle, brings people together and promotes an awareness of our environment. Skiing or riding promotes the third cog, the social element, in the triple bottom line perspective. I think the best snow resorts are the ones that can provide meaningful employment to the community and help to preserve our environment.