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BROOMFIELD, Colo., Nov. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As the 2022/23 ski and ride season gets underway in the northern hemisphere, and with climate change in sharp focus, the industry leader in sustainability, Vail Resorts, today releases its fifth annual Progress Report outlining the progress the company has made towards reaching a zero net operating footprint by 2030. Vail Resorts is ahead of schedule to meet its emissions goals, and is on track to reach zero waste to landfill and zero net operating impact on forests and habitat to achieve a zero net operating footprint by 2030.
The report details how the company actively works to mitigate climate change and preserve the environment, promotes the health and sustainability of resort communities through multi-faceted and localized support, supports its dedicated and passionate employees, and ensures equitable access to its resorts for the sustainable growth of the industry. Notable achievements include:
"It is because of the passionate work of our team that we are able to share these results. We have set bold goals and commitments and continue to deliver on promises we have made to our environment and our communities," said Kirsten Lynch, CEO of Vail Resorts.
Responsible and active stewards of the environment.
The company and its employees understand that no one person or company can solve the climate crisis alone, and collaboration is vital to progress. To mitigate its impact on the climate, and maintain its leading position, Vail Resorts remains committed to working with like-minded partners and making strategic investments, including:
Caring deeply about the mountain communities where we operate and our dedicated teams.
This year, Vail Resorts donated $22.9 million to over 250 local organizations, including Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley, Park City Community Foundation, Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, the Boys and Girls Club of North Tahoe, Boys and Girls Club of South Lake Tahoe, SOS Outreach, National Brotherhood of Skiers, the Summit Foundation, and many more.
"We see Vail Resorts as a neighbor, and their financial support and partnership is a testament to the company's willingness to tackle our community's challenges alongside us," said Diego Zegarra, vice president of equity and impact for the Park City Community Foundation. "Whether it's helping to support our community's mental health needs, supporting our housing efforts, or helping us to improve access to the sport, we know that as a major employer they can help us with our community's unique needs."
In addition to community support, Vail Resorts' EpicPromise Employee Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves the company's employees through emergency relief grants and educational scholarships. The Foundation provided $1.3 million in emergency relief grants and scholarships to team members and their dependents in 2021/22. This includes support to team members impacted by the devastating Marshall Fire in Colorado.
Passionate about investing in equitable access for all.
Ensuring equitable access is a priority for the company and one important way the company lives its Be Inclusive core value. Adaptive access for those with physical and mental barriers, and youth access – both in its legacy communities and in urban centers near resorts – are Vail Resorts' two priorities for ensuring equitable access for all.
The future of skiing and riding will depend on inclusion and access. Vail Resorts is especially proud of its Epic for Everyone youth access program, which during the 2021/22 season served 8,000 youth who may not have otherwise had access to the sport from across many of its mountain communities, including Vail, Heavenly, and Park City, as well as from cities surrounding its regional ski areas, such as Boston, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, St. Louis and more.
The company provided over $8 million of goods and services to youth participants including ski and ride school, meals, and equipment rentals, plus two additional free lift tickets to continue practicing with a guardian. These services are combined with mentorship, including an introduction to career opportunities like snowmaking, operations, and ski and snowboard instruction.
For the upcoming 2022/23 winter season, Vail Resorts will add more than a dozen partnerships with nonprofit and youth development organizations working to support youth of color. With this expansion, the company plans to host 9,000 youth across 29 resorts and provide approximately $9 million in product contributions.
The full 2021/22 EpicPromise Progress Report can be read here.About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN):
Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at www.VailResorts.com, or discover our resorts and pass options at www.EpicPass.com.
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SOURCE Vail Resorts, Inc.