Cross-country ski resorts go green

Part of the beauty of cross-country (xc) skiing is the close connection with nature that this sport encourages. Naturally, xc ski resorts are at the forefront of environmental education and ecologically aware operations. These xc resorts—many of them small family-run businesses, take “going green” very seriously in order to preserve our winter experience.

Protecting scenic values and wildlife habitats, practicing water and energy conservation and reducing waste and reusing products has become a way of life for most of these family-run xc-skiing areas. These small resort owners design and build facilities in an environmentally sensitive manner, manage forest and vegetation and handle potentially hazardous waste properly.

The eco-active efforts of these resorts are not typically huge investments, but xc ski area operators have much to be proud of with many small but meaningful accomplishments. If everyone did their small part in protecting our environment, the problems faced by the world would be reduced. The editors of www.XCSkiResorts.com compiled this list of top eco-active operations.

Environmental awards
Devil's Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colo., is a recipient of the 2006 Mountain Living Magazine award for Responsible Development in Tourism and a 2004 EPA award for environmentally sensitive development practices and sustainable growth programs. A geothermal heating system warms the majority of its new buildings. The system of glycol-filled pipes is installed in the Ranch's on-site lake. Heat transferred to the glycol from the water is heated to 105 degrees by compressors in each building. The system cuts electricity use dramatically.

The White Grass Ski Touring Center in Canaan, W.V., — the recipient of the West Virginia Environmental Council's 2003 Green Entrepreneurs Award — heats it facilities solely with wood and uses only about $2.50 worth of electricity a day. White Grass conducts regular environmental education outings at the W.V. Highlands Conservancy and the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

Raising awareness
The Keep the Winter White Nordic Tour Series schedules a number of recreational ski or snowshoe tours in Colorado to raise awareness about climate change. "Tour the Summit,” set for Jan. 13, on the recreational path from Gold Run Nordic Center in Breckenridge to the Frisco Nordic Center, takes skiers into the heart of nature. An easy point-to-point tour drops 600 feet in altitude within 10 kilometers (that's downhill!). Tours such as these provide a great opportunity for family and friends to ski together. Along the way, food and drink stations feature local Summit County restaurant specialties and coffee house brews. Skiers and snowshoers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate.

Deal of the Day Newfoundland and Labrador Explore World Heritage sites, glimpse into the life of the Vikings, more, from $1,635.

Tour participants take home action kits to help them reduce their carbon emissions including reusable grocery bags, CFL light bulbs, and tips about conserving energy. At the end of the tour, participants will take the Keep Winter White pledge and calculate their carbon emissions from different actions.

Participants that carpool to Tour the Summit receive store discount coupons. Others that take the pledge to reduce their CO2 emissions can also earn coupons. Other Keep Winter White tours include the Mineral Belt Historical Tour in Leadville on Jan. 27 and Bappa's Tour in Aspen on Feb. 9, plus, two others.

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