Cross-country ski resorts go green

Ted Young of Boundary Country Trekking on the Gunflint Trail in Minn., offsets the carbon produced on the Banadad Trail (such as snowmobile grooming), by investing in reforestation in the area. He determined the cubic tons of carbon emissions associated with trail maintenance volunteers' transportation to the site and grooming machinery and other mechanical equipment used on the trail. They sequester a number of acres to match the amount of carbon taken by red and white pines to derive an equivalent dollar value to planting an estimated 75,000 trees with the "Gunflint Green Up" program. Boundary Country Trekking completes a sustainability statement and a comprehensive implementation plan that sets the standard in the xc ski world.

Environmental interpretive group programs and many trail signs to tell their environmental story can be found at xc ski areas across the country. For example, Kirkwood Cross Country in Kirkwood, Calif. lists recent wildlife sightings on its trailhead blackboard.

John and Sue Chase of A Fierce Chase in Maine, incorporate their concern for the environment into the development of their business plan and they seek to understand their impact on the Earth's natural systems. These two teachers educate skiers about different ecological issues at the area. Chase works with a local forester to design trails to minimize the disturbance of the wildlife habitat. Twenty self-guided wildlife stations at the area feature informational highlights. Special moonlight group tours lead by a local biologist search out nocturnal wildlife tour. And the ski area is a center for field research conducted by the Maine Wolf Coalition.

Other eco-active examples
Soldier Hollow, the Utah site of the Nordic skiing events at the 2002 Winter Olympics, has an 11,000 square foot lodge built with recycled timbers used for building beams, columns, siding, the interior roof, baseboards, and casings. Approximately 90 percent of the wood used in the lodge was salvaged and reclaimed from a 1902 railroad trestle, abandoned in the 1950s that once crossed the Great Salt Lake.

Devil's Thumb Ranch recycled a Civil War-era barn from Indiana to frame its Broad Axe Barn with hand-hewn white oak and beech beams. In addition, the Ranch's roads and parking lots are constructed with recycled asphalt from a highway construction projects. The resort installed EPA-approved specially designed chimneys that minimize emissions from wood burning fireplaces and they use environmentally sensitive cleaning supplies.

Sleepy Hollow Inn in Huntington, Vt., runs its tractor on bio-diesel fuel comprised in large part of vegetable oil to reduce carbon monoxide emissions, provide better engine lubricity and most of all, to save money. Sleepy Hollow also offers free skiing (one time) to anyone, who drives to the area's trails in a hybrid, electric or bio-diesel powered vehicle.

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

Maplelag in Callaway, Minn., winds through an active tree farm on the White Earth Indian Reservation. The resort planted thousands of trees and created more than 20 ponds to benefit wildlife there.

Hardwood Hills in Oro Station, Ontario, designed and installed a septic system to recover most of the water that enters the system. The collected water is then filtered, diluted, and recycled for use in the snowmaking system.

Cross-country skiing brings people outdoors to appreciate nature. Kicking and gliding slowly through winter woods allows skiers to develop an extraordinary intimacy with nature's beauty and spiritual wonder. Many xc ski area operators, committed to creating and implementing innovative and effective environmental programs, enhance eco-awareness and foster responsible stewardship of natural resources. It is a natural relationship!

Don't miss these Travel stories from msnbc.com Offbeat holiday celebrations Best places to spend Christmas Be sure the people on your list travel in style AAA says holiday travel to rise this year Will the real Las Vegas please stand up?

MORE FROM ACTIVE

Active Section Front

Best endangered animal safaris Winter season at Yellowstone opens Tuesday New app finds birds in bushes as you roam Celebrating Christmas on the slopes Grab a deal at Canada’s newest ski resort Glide on air in the Everglades Antarctic nations mull new controls on ships 15 life-changing trips Top surfers ‘hang 10’ in legendary contest Destinations that will heat up your winter Active Section Front   Add Active headlines to your news reader: