2025 Golden Eagle Award Winners

Congratulations to the 2025 Golden Eagle Award winners and finalists. Winners are highlighted in bold.

Overall Environmental Excellence

The Summit at Snoqualmie, WA

The Summit at Snoqualmie impressed judges this year with its comprehensive, systems-based approach to sustainable lift construction and deconstruction, clearly advancing their ForeverProject 2030 goals. Through the recent Wild Side and Edelweiss lift projects, the ski area highlighted that their focus is not only on the lift itself, but approaching the entire system with a sustainability mindset and a comprehensive strategy for responsible growth. This included actions like the ski area’s new lift house standard procedures, with enhanced heating envelopes and improved energy efficiency; renewable diesel usage in heavy equipment; and waste diversion to reuse, repurpose and recycle as much as possible. Outcomes include a savings of 10,800 gallons of propane; 6,000 gallons of R99 renewable diesel used, reducing tailpipe emissions by roughly 50% and saving nearly 30 MTCO2e; and a 95% landfill diversion rate. NSAA named The Summit at Snoqualmie the winner for Overall Environmental Excellence.

Copper Mountain Resort, CO

Copper Mountain’s CIRQU recycling program focuses on the circularity of recycling aluminum beverage containers and plastic #1 bottles. Established through a partnership with PepsiCo and Replenysh, the program ensures materials are recycled back into their original forms, reducing landfill waste and the need for new materials. Now in its third year, Copper expanded source-separated collection bins and improved processing, including the acceptance of clear stretch plastics (#4 LDPE). Collected in 30-yard roll-off containers, the program has boosted capacity and efficiency. Since November 2022, over 31,000 pounds of material have been collected, saving nearly 7,839 cubic feet of landfill space, 8,290 gallons of oil, and 324,498 kilowatt-hours of electricity. This initiative contributes to Copper’s 38.4% landfill diversion rate and addresses climate change on several fronts. For its efficient recycling processes, public engagement, and sharing of success strategies, NSAA named Copper an Overall Environmental Excellence finalist.

Vail Resorts, CO

Vail Resorts’ Soft Plastics Recycling Program diverts soft plastic film material from landfills. Launched in 2018, the program has expanded to resorts in Colorado, Tahoe, and the East. Since its inception, it has diverted tens of thousands of pounds of soft plastics—materials commonly used in food and merchandise packaging but not accepted in most single-stream recycling. At Vail’s Colorado resorts, soft plastics are transported using existing internal systems, avoiding added emissions. In Colorado alone, over 30,400 pounds have been recycled through NexTrex, with thousands more recycled across other resorts, including Heavenly, Northstar, Kirkwood, Okemo, Mount Sunapee, and Stowe. For this impactful initiative, supporting the company’s Commitment to Zero, NSAA named Vail Resorts an Overall Environmental Excellence finalist.

Innovation in Sustainability

Copper Mountain Resort, CO

Copper Mountain’s Ski Lift Energy Efficiency Study represents an innovative step forward in operational sustainability and data analysis. In partnership with Graphet, the ski area conducted a first-of-its-kind study correlating real-time lift energy consumption with RFID-based ridership data. This enabled Copper to evaluate the impact of advanced lift technologies like direct drive and program start control systems. The study produced statistically significant findings, leading to a new energy usage model for direct drive systems and supporting custom energy efficiency rebate filings. It offers verifiable data to inform smarter, more sustainable lift replacements. For this leadership and collaboration with NSAA, Copper was named an Innovation in Sustainability winner.

Vail Resorts, CO

Vail Resorts’ Community Conversation: Climate series is an innovative approach to sustainability, grounded in hope, resilience, and community well-being. These localized panels brought together climate, mental health, and other experts to engage communities in authentic, solutions-driven dialogue. By framing climate through human experience, Vail created a model that empowers communities with practical toolkits, fosters cross-sector collaboration, and sparks local action. “Instead of another meeting on mitigation, we decided to flip the conversation to hope... and discuss ideas for changes we all can make,” said Nicky DeFord, senior director of environmental and social responsibility. For this forward-thinking initiative that strengthens community resilience and redefines sustainability, NSAA awarded Vail Resorts with an Innovation in Sustainability win.

Blue Mountain Resort, Ontario

Blue Mountain Resort is committed to enhancing sustainability through smarter, data-driven operations. They implemented an advanced telematics system using Geotab to provide real-time data on vehicle performance, driver behavior, and fuel efficiency. A five-month pilot led to a 15% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the previous year. The resort expanded the program to its entire fleet of 52 vehicles and 19 snowmobiles, expecting further savings. A cross-departmental team ensured decisions prioritized safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Staff were also educated on how driving habits impact carbon emissions, promoting shared responsibility. For driving real change while improving safety, fuel efficiency, and fleet sustainability, NSAA named Blue Mountain a finalist for Innovation in Sustainability.

Climate Change Impact

Sun Valley Resort, ID

Sun Valley’s Warm Springs geothermal snowmelt system reduces the need for natural gas by using heat from a nearby hot spring, avoiding over 100 MTCO2e annually. This project cuts emissions, saves on utility costs, and enhances the guest experience. Sun Valley’s broader sustainability strategy includes its first greenhouse gas inventory, solar panels for employee housing, support for regional climate efforts, 50% waste diversion, forest health improvements, and over $84,000 in energy incentives from Idaho Power. Energy conservation efforts saved over 456,000 kWh and $52,000 in utility costs in the first year. For these far-reaching efforts, Sun Valley Resort is this year’s Climate Change Impact Award winner.

Boyne Mountain Resort, MI

Boyne Mountain Resort finalized their path to reaching 100% clean electricity ahead of their 2030 goal. By joining Consumers Energy’s large customer renewable energy program, Boyne will reach 100% clean electricity by 2028. The program unites 50 businesses to develop new wind and solar projects, which will power Michigan’s grid. Boyne will receive and retire the bundled RECs tied to the project. This expands the resort’s renewable energy portfolio beyond the ~20% from on-site installations. Boyne’s clean energy efforts date back to 1962 with a hydroelectric dam and continued with a 1.5-megawatt solar array installed in 2022 and a battery backup in 2024. A Pollinator Habitat Planting Plan adds native species around the array. For its portfolio of clean energy projects supporting its ForeverProject commitments, NSAA named Boyne Mountain a Climate Change Impact finalist.

Breckenridge Ski Resort, CO

This season, Breckenridge Ski Resort set out to reduce waste as they pursued going plastic-free. The resort launched a plastic-free pilot that expanded to all F&B operations, aligning with the Town of Breckenridge’s ordinance to reduce single-use plastics. The F&B and sustainability teams went beyond the town’s requirements, eliminating 100% of single-use plastic products in guest-facing F&B operations. They replaced plastic beverage containers with aluminum or bulk fountain options, avoiding an estimated 81,000 single-use plastic bottles. Investments in dishwashing and durable serviceware also reduced overall single-use items. For continuing its Commitment to Zero and progress toward zero waste to landfill, NSAA named Breckenridge a Climate Change Impact finalist.

Community & Partnerships

Mount Southington, CT

Mount Southington’s ON BOARD initiative is a powerful example of community-driven climate action. What began as a composting effort has grown into a year-round, multisport platform uniting schools, families, partners, and resort staff to spark environmental awareness through hands-on learning and play. A collaboration with Snowball Effect, ON BOARD transforms resort spaces into classrooms for climate literacy, stewardship, and fun. By integrating sustainability into PE programs, on-snow lessons, and summer events, the initiative helps raise a new generation of outdoor stewards. So far, it has diverted over 3,000 pounds of food waste and reached over 100 students through local partnerships. For turning a small initiative into a scalable movement for sustainability and resilience, NSAA honored Mount Southington with the Community & Partnerships Award.

Eldora Mountain Resort, CO

Eldora’s Caribou Lodge development project is an inspiring example of collaboration to foster sustainability, stewardship, and community engagement. As the new home of Ignite Adaptive Sports and Eldora’s Ski & Ride School, the lodge reflects the resort’s Play Forever initiative. It integrates renewable energy, energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and wetland restoration. A 125-panel, 52.65 kW solar array generates 100% of the lodge’s electricity, making it net-zero. Additionally, 65% of building materials were recycled or bio-based, and 65% of construction waste was diverted from landfills. Eldora also restored disturbed wetlands with help from youth and volunteers. Collaboration with the town of Nederland, conservation groups, and other local partners ensured alignment with long-term ecological goals. The lodge provides a dedicated space with direct mountain access for nearly 250 adaptive athletes. For its commitment to community collaboration and sustainability, NSAA named Eldora a Community & Partnerships finalist.

Snowbird, UT

Snowbird’s Ski for Nature initiative is a standout example of community collaboration and partnership. Since 2019, this free educational series has brought together scientists, academics, and the public to raise awareness of climate challenges, especially those impacting Utah and the Great Salt Lake, with additional focus on local watersheds and ecosystems. In partnership with The Nature Conservancy, Snowbird has hosted presentations, panel discussions, and movie premiers to share current research and initiatives. The events have engaged over 500 attendees and are supported financially through Snowbird’s Play Forever Foundation. For using its voice, resources, and relationships to drive environmental awareness and action, NSAA named Snowbird a Communities & Partnerships Award finalist.

Hero of Sustainability

Hunter Wright | Eldora Mountain Resort, CO

Hunter Wright is a driving force behind Eldora’s sustainability success, leading with a deep understanding of community, sustainability, and economic development. Her leadership in transportation, waste management, and infrastructure projects has significantly reduced Eldora’s environmental impact. In 2024, she led Eldora to 100% renewable energy, completed the eco-focused Caribou Lodge, and reduced congestion and emissions through partnerships with RTD and the Justice Center Shuttle Service. She also evolved the Play Forever Wednesday series to support local nonprofits. With over 10 years at Eldora, Wright continues to set a high bar for environmental stewardship. For her innovation, collaboration, and passion, NSAA named her this year’s Hero of Sustainability.

Anna Nason | Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe, NV

Anna Nason was Mt. Rose’s first full-time, year-round employee dedicated to sustainability, and she has embraced every aspect of the role. Her achievements include developing a roadmap aligned with People, Planet and Profit; launching a Green Team that conducts monthly waste audits; introducing a weekly mountain nature tour; and establishing a comprehensive recycling program. She led efforts around reducing plastic waste, sustainable purchasing, composting, transportation, and forest health. A strong climate advocate, Nason helped Mt. Rose pursue renewable diesel access and participated in the 2025 Ceres LEAD event to advocate for clean economy investments. For her commitment to advancing impactful environmental initiatives and inspiring cultural change, NSAA named Anna Nason a Hero of Sustainability finalist.

Megan Wagaman | Copper Mountain Resort, CO

During Megan Wagaman’s five seasons at Copper Mountain, she has led the resort’s Play Forever team and other departments to success in numerous sustainability and conservation efforts. Her leadership improved Copper’s landfill diversion rate and earned several NSAA Sustainable Slopes badges. She was also central to Copper’s CIRQU recycling success. Additionally, she led Copper’s philanthropy committee, overseeing over $350,000 in donations to local nonprofits through the Play Forever Thursdays program. For her commitment and dedication, NSAA named Megan Wagaman a Hero of Sustainability finalist.

Past Golden Eagle Award Winners