2004/2005 Ski Area Environmental Grades

[watersnowdirt]

Just got this in my email this morning. Kirkwood crew - time to let Kirkwood know they can do better! Glad to see Alpine doing well.

***************
Ski Area Citizens’ Coalition Releases
2004/2005 Ski Area Environmental Grades

www.skiareacitizens.com

Independent Study Validates Scorecard Methods

(Durango, CO)- Today, the Ski Area Citizens’ Coalition (SACC) released annual Ski Area Environmental Scorecard grades for 77 ski resorts throughout the western United States. Based on a comprehensive set of 24 criteria, the Scorecard unearths the environmental friendliness of each resort with both a numerical (0-100) and letter (A, B, C, D, or F) grade. This year, the top ten best and worst resorts include:*


The Top Ten Most Environmentally Friendly Ski Resorts
Ski Resort
State
Grade

Aspen Mountain Ski Resort
Colorado
A

Buttermilk Ski Resort
Colorado
A

Aspen Highlands
Colorado
A

Alpine Meadows
California
A

Sundance Resort
Utah
A

Mount Bachelor
Oregon
A

Wolf Creek Ski Area
Colorado
A

Sierra at Tahoe
California
A

Timberline Ski Area
Oregon
A

Winter Park Ski Area
Colorado
B




The Top Ten Least Environmentally Friendly Ski Resorts

Ski Resort
State
Grade

Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Colorado
F

Breckenridge Ski Resort
Colorado
F

Copper Mountain Ski Resort
Colorado
F

Crystal Mountain Resort
Washington
F

Vail Ski Resort
Colorado
F

Silver Mountain Ski Resort
Idaho
F

Brianhead Ski Area
Utah
D

Keystone Ski Resort
Colorado
D

Kirkwood Ski Resort
California
D

Grand Targhee Ski & Summer Resort
Wyoming
D


*<>Grades for eight resorts in Utah will be published in November.

<>This year’s Scorecard gives greater weight to voluntary measures such as use of wind power, biodiesel and water conservation. The Scorecard now also incorporates a progressive grading system by which environmentally damaging projects are discounted over five years, rather than a single five year cut-off. For example, if a ski area is currently proposing or actively logging old growth forest for ski runs, its score is fully discounted, while its score is discounted by 40% if it undertook the same project three years ago.

<>“Unfortunately, raw scores failed to improve by much despite giving more weight to positive environmental initiatives such as conserving water and using wind power,” stated Jeff Berman, Executive Director of Colorado Wild. “This years’ grades support independent researchers’ recent conclusion that the ski industry’s Sustainable Slopes program is unfortunately more about safeguarding the industry’s image than safeguarding the environment.”

An independent study released this August affirmed the SACC’s methodology for the Scorecard. Professors Jorge Rivera (George Washington University) and Peter de Leon (University of Denver) published a study in a peer reviewed journal analyzing ski industry environmental impacts and the National Ski Area Association’s Sustainable Slopes program. Entitled “Is Greener Whiter? Voluntary Environmental Performance of Western Ski Areas (Policy Studies Journal, Vol. 32, No. 3, 2004)”, the study concluded that in the case of industry’s voluntary Sustainable Slopes program, “participant ski areas appear to be correlated with lower third-party environmental performance ratings.” The researchers concluded that the ski industry’s Sustainable Slopes program lacks third-party oversight, does not have sanctions for poor performance, and does not involve specific environmental standards.

Published annually by the Ski Area Citizens’ Coalition, the Ski Area Environmental Scorecard provides skiers with the information they need to genuinely choose environmentally friendly ski destinations throughout the West.

“We hope skiers and boarders will utilize this information when choosing where to buy their season pass or when making ski trip plans this winter,” said Joan Clayburgh, Executive Director of the Sierra Nevada Alliance. “But even when you ski at a resort that has an average or poor grade, it makes a difference to mention to the resort that you hope they improve their environmental performance. Ski resorts listen to their customers.”

Skiers can also easily send emails to resorts through the website: www.skiareacitizens.com, encouraging environmentally friendly results and asking others to improve their environmental policies and management. Detailed descriptions of the criteria used to grade resorts and a complete breakdown of each ski area’s score can be found on-line.

The Scorecard data is obtained from public records from government agencies and from the resorts themselves. Freedom of Information Act and Public Records Act requests are filed with appropriate land managers to identify ski area development projects and management plans each spring. Resorts are also provided surveys and letters to collect information regarding their on-mountain environmental programs. All source documents can be viewed on the website.

The Coalition’s steering committee includes non-profit conservation organizations Colorado Wild, the Crystal Conservation Coalition (WA), Lands Council (WA), Environmental Resource Center (ID), Friends of the Inyo (CA), and the Sierra Nevada Alliance (CA). Over three dozen other conservation organizations also endorse the Scorecard.<>

[mtgoat]

I definetely agree with Crystal Mt on the least friendly list.

[Game Over]

Why arent all ski hills on the list? Like my two local hills Hoodoo and Willamette PAss.

[watersnowdirt]

Why arent all ski hills on the list? Like my two local hills Hoodoo and Willamette PAss.

The list above just lists the 10 best and the 10 worst. You'll be able to view your local mountains by clicking on this link www.skiareacitizens.com to their website, and go to the state you're in to find yours.

[Arty50]

Will someone please tell hardrider to stop pissing in the woods?

[tcohee]

Just got this in my email this morning. Kirkwood crew - time to let Kirkwood know they can do better! Glad to see Alpine doing well.

***************

The Top Ten Least Environmentally Friendly Ski Resorts


Kirkwood Ski Resort
California
D

THANKS FOR CALLLLLLLING KIRKWOOD let's take a look at what we have to you today!!!!

Ski Area Citizens are bunch of potsmoking, birkenstock-wearing, patchouli eating, non-showering, smelly , ugly, hairy-armpitted gapers who can't get laid. They're bitter that they cannot afford even the most affordable Shared Ownership Kirkwood Properties starting at a mere $45,000

Kirkwood’s spectacular landscape and friendly community continues to attract families seeking a lifestyle that encompasses adventure on a human scale. These “pioneers” have been rewarded handsomely for their foresight and commitment. For others interested in staking a claim at Kirkwood, there’s no better time then the present. Kirkwood’s 15-year master plan envisions the crafting of four unique neighborhoods within the community. The heart of the resort will be a European-Style pedestrian village where thoughtful architecture and design will support the intimate vibrancy Kirkwood is known for. The ownership and development team that energized Telluride plans the same for Kirkwood and it’s sister, Durango Mountain Resort formerly known as Purgatory located in Southwest Colorado.


As the Kirkwood Mountain Village develops, a European-Style pedestrian area will take shape. Extending from the existing Village Plaza, which features shopping, dining, a skating rink and other visitor amenities, there will soon be a walkway connecting to the Red Cliffs Day Lodge area. This new plaza will be surrounded by still more new restaurants, shops and mountain resort services.

New restaurants and commercial facilities will appear in the new village area, along with a high-speed quad chairlift to replace the Chair 7 triple. Complimenting the exceptional existing beginner terrain will be a world-class learn-to-ski and childrens center. This new development will feature space for over 160 new on-mountain residences, many of which will be convenient ski in, ski out home sites.

Recently, Kirkwood released for purchase thirteen spectacular ski in, ski out homesites in Phase 1 & II of the Palisades. The homesites have sold quickly, prompting the release of Phase III anticipated this winter season. The Palisades neighborhood is nestled above the Kirkwood Valley just a short glide away from the resorts main high speed quad chairlift and the Village at Kirkwood. These 1/3 to 3/4 acre parcels offer easy access to, but are private and set away from Kirkwood’s major amenities. They offer soaring mountain views of the famous Red Cliffs at Kirkwood and are among the last ski in ski out lots available in the Tahoe Region. A high standard of architectural and landscaping guidelines will insure the Palisades community has the valley’s most exquisite residences and is the perfect location to build your legacy home in the mountains.

5 Reasons You Benefit by Investing in Shared Ownership at Kirkwood


• Buy more home for less money—For the same price you might pay for a small, older condominium that needs to be renovated you can own a share in a new larger luxury unit that better suits your families needs.

• Benefits of Real Estate ownership—With Shared ownership unlike timeshares, you have a deeded interest in Real Estate. You get all the benefits of owning Real Estate. Values can increase like it would in whole ownership Real Estate. You can use it for your enjoyment of let family and friends use it. You can sell it or pass it on to your family… you enjoy the same benefits from your shared ownership interest as you do from your home…that makes sense doesn’t it?

• Practical—Owning a shared ownership interest at Kirkwood is practical. Why pay for the cost of mortgage payments, property taxes and maintenance for 365 days a year when you may use your home much less then this? Shared ownership interests at Kirkwood range from 1/8th to 1/4th shares…that’s 45 to 90 days of use for your enjoyment annually and 275 to 320 days you don’t pay for every year!

• Hassle free—Your home will be professionally managed and maintained for you by Kirkwood Lodging. No leaky facets to repair or sidewalks to shovel so your vacation time is relaxing time!

• Exchange—Maybe you’d like to spend time golfing or enjoying the beach. Ownership at Kirkwood’s shared ownership projects let’s you exchange time with other second home owner’s world wide through Interval international one of the world’s largest vacation exchange services. With over 1900 resort locations to choose from world wide, you’re sure to discover a vacation opportunity that suits your needs.

• Flexibility to plan your vacation on your schedule—Kirkwood’s space available lets you enjoy the resort even when your home is being used or if you’d like to stay with short notice.


Q: What is shared ownership?
A: Shared ownership Private Residence Club is a form of second home real estate ownership. An owner becomes a “partner” with other owners in the same unit. The unit is professionally managed and maintained so when you choose to use it you have a hassle free stay. According to current studies the average second homeowner uses their property only 17 days per year but pays for 365 days of the year. Shared ownership offers a rational, problem free way to balance your vacation time usage to your investment in a second home.

Q: Is ownership in a Private Residence Club the same as owning Real Estate?
A: Absolutely. You enjoy all the rights and privileges of owning fee simple deeded real estate, including the right to sell your property at any time at any price, the right to will your share to your heirs, and the right to rent it, allow friends to use it, invite guests to share it and not least, escape to it with only you and your family.

Q: Is shared ownership Private Residence Club concept the same as timeshare?
A: A Private Residence Club is a form of shared ownership where you have ownership and a deed to the property. With timeshare you only have a right to use and may or may not have deeded ownership.

Q: Why is the Shared Ownership concept being offered at Kirkwood?
A: Appreciation of real estate values at Kirkwood and other Lake Tahoe mountain resorts in recent years have escalated to a point where the average person can’t afford to own a resort second home. The value of shared ownership just makes common sense. Rather than paying full price for a full interest in a second home, you purchase a one-eighth to one-fourth interest at a fraction of the price.

Q: How do members reserve usage of the residences?
A: Planning and reserving your vacation time is easy, with members being able to have a schedule in advance of guaranteed vacation weeks each year. On top of the weeks you purchase, you can also use other units on a “space available” basis as often as you like. And, no matter how much vacation time you spend at the unit, you only pay modest housekeeping fees.

Q: What if I buy a studio and want to stay in a two-bedroom residence?
A: You can absolutely upgrade into larger residences using the “space available” program. This option is fantastic for those homeowners that have flexible work schedules and can visit Kirkwood during the quieter mid week periods.

Q: Can I stay at other resorts worldwide as a benefit to ownership?
A: Yes. Each member has access to more than 1,900 other Private Residence Clubs and resort properties around the world. Located in such beautiful places as Florida, the Caribbean, Fiji, Hawaii and Europe, these properties are part of the Interval International exchange network.

Q: What about selling my unit?
A: Like any other form of real estate, a partner can sell their undivided interest at any time. Each owner holds a fee-simple title to whatever the fractional interest is. Kirkwood Real Estate is experienced in selling shared interest units, so if you decide give us a call.

Q: Will my unit be rented out to help offset some of the costs of ownership?
A: Absolutely, Kirkwood Lodging will rent your shared interest unit on a rotation basis when you’re not using it. Income generated can be used to help pay for homeowner’s fees, taxes and loan costs.

Q: Is there financing available?
A: There are numerous financing options available for prospective buyers. Up to 90% financing is available. Just ask your sales associate for details.

Q: What if I don’t know the other owners?
A: Few people know the other owners before their purchase. The ownership structure eliminates the need if you want. There are rules, bylaws and management services that keep the property running smoothly. There is no overlap in calendar dates and no need to interact socially if you don’t wish to. However, there is an annual meeting and through joint ownership, long-term friendships will often form.

Imagine owning your own place right in the heart of the all-season Kirkwood Mountain Village.


Wake up to the Sierra’s driest snow just outside your door this winter. Ski, hike, bike, fish or simply relax at your all season mountain getaway. Wind down after a long day in your own athletic club, pool and spa. Skate on the new ice rink or enjoy a fine meal at your favorite village restaurant. Do whatever you want. It’s yours, you own it.


After taking a few years off from its frenzied pace of the late 90s and early 2000s, the real estate market in Kirkwood is back in full force.


“Kirkwood real estate is by far the best value of any developing resort around the Tahoe region,” says David Likins, President of Kirkwood Real Estate & Development. “When you compare our price per square foot, quality and variety of residences and location, no other resort comes close.”

[Telenater]

While I agree with the goals of the Skiareacitizen group, their method of grading has some significant weaknesses.

Of the ski areas in the top 10 best, all of the ones that I'm familiar with have no developable land remaining to the resort because it's already developed (hence they have no ongoing or planned development on undisturbed areas).

I won't say that I approve of further development, but I do think that benefitting areas because they've already developed everything is a fairly significant failing in the ranking system.

[Game Over]

The list above just lists the 10 best and the 10 worst. You'll be able to view your local mountains by clicking on this link www.skiareacitizens.com to their website, and go to the state you're in to find yours.

I already did that and they are not on there. Neither are Mt Hood Ski Bowl, Anthony Lakes and others...

[karma]

Obviously they don't take into account summer at timberline. How on earth can they get a A with the crap that goes on there. 6000 lbs of salt a day. An on mountain cat staging area with oil and gas spills a plenty, People walking all over in ski boots destroying vegatation. After working there this summer it seems to me to be the most unnatural and destructive ski area I've ever been to. Not to mention that they have an expansion proposed for a new lift.

Not that any of this stops me from skiing there during the summer though...

[mr_gyptian]

That survey is B.S. Because a resort doesn't participate based upon valid objections to your methodology your answer is to give the resort an F.


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