Vail isn’t just a premier ski destination; it’s one of the top places for a sustainable winter escape. With its commitment to protecting its stunning mountain landscapes and charming alpine villages for over 50 years, Vail offers travelers an eco-friendly way to experience the wonders of winter. Sustainable travel means being mindful of the environmental impact you have while exploring. Below, you’ll discover tips for keeping it green in one of the world’s most breathtaking mountain towns.
- Vail’s Sustainability Efforts
- Why Sustainable Travel Matters
- How to Have a More Sustainable Winter Vacation
- Be a Sustainable Role Model
Vail’s Sustainability Efforts
Vail is a leader in sustainable tourism. It’s not only the first certified sustainable mountain resort destination in the world but also the first in the U.S. to earn certification from Green Destinations, an organization accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Vail achieved this milestone with the support of Walking Mountains Science Center and Sustainable Travel International. But that’s just one of many accolades:
- Certification under the Mountain IDEAL standard: 2018, with recertification in 2021
- Global Destinations Top 100 Award through Green Destinations: 2017 to 2022
- Best of the Americas at the 2020 Top 100 Sustainable Destinations Award at ITB Berlin for waste diversion improvements
- Climate Leader Award for being one of 88 cities across the world leading environmental action throughout 2020
These achievements build on decades of environmental stewardship:
- 1966: Protection of open space was written into the Town Charter
- 1970s: Vail Nature Center and Preserve created
- 1980s: Creation of the 1% Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT), which enhances open spaces and parks for recreation while supporting environmentally sustainable practices
- 2000s: Ongoing efforts to restore the water quality of Gore Creek; Restore the Gore program
- 2020: Updated Climate Action Plan that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050
And Vail’s programs extend throughout the community:
- Actively Green Certification: Program that trains and certifies local businesses in sustainability practices
- Energy Efficiency Program: Program that provides residents and businesses with free energy audits and double rebates for any energy efficiency upgrades
- Business Recycling Challenge: Training, progress reports and bragging rights for Vail businesses that excel in four recycling award categories
- Sole Power Green Commuting Challenge: Free challenge for county residents who opt for active transportation, such as walking or biking, over motorized options
- Compost Pilot Program: Curbside program kicking off in West Vail
- Kick the Bag Habit: Pack that reusable bag. Stores in Vail (and elsewhere in Colorado) no longer offer plastic bags. They still provide paper bags in Vail for a $0.25 fee. A portion of the 25 cents goes to fund waste diversion programs in the town.
Why Sustainable Travel Matters
With over 2.5 million visitors each year, Vail is one of the most iconic mountain resorts globally, but it’s also home to 5,300 permanent residents. Balancing tourism, environmental health and community well-being is vital to maintaining Vail’s charm and protecting its natural beauty.
Sustainable travel ensures that visitors, the environment and the local community thrive together. By adopting eco-friendly practices, travelers help protect the lush evergreen forests, snow-capped peaks and peaceful alpine valleys that make Vail so extraordinary.
Careless tourism has damaged other destinations, but Vail is determined to stay ahead of the curve. By choosing sustainable options, visitors play a key role in preserving the landscapes they love, ensuring future generations can experience Vail’s winter magic.
How to Have a More Sustainable Winter Vacation
Embracing sustainable travel is easier than you might think — most steps are simple and fit effortlessly into your itinerary. Here are five tips to make your Vail vacation eco-friendly.
1. Choose Public Transportation
Once you arrive, Vail’s efficient and free bus system makes it easy to get around town without a car. For those flying into Denver International Airport, ride-share services like Uber Ski, Blue Sky Limo, and Colorado Airport Express offer convenient and eco-friendly options to get you to the slopes.
For those driving, statewide bus services like Bustang offer sustainable ways to travel, especially on weekends and holidays. Choosing these options significantly reduces your carbon footprint — important since transportation emissions make up 45% of Eagle County’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Make Friends with Reusable Everything
Ditch the disposable and embrace reusable items. A collapsible water bottle is perfect for the slopes, and with Vail’s fresh snowmelt water sourced from the Colorado River Basin, you’ll have crisp, refreshing sips all day. Switch out plastic straws for reusable metal or bamboo alternatives and bring along reusable containers and cutlery for snacks. These small changes not only reduce waste but also set an example for other skiers to follow.
3. Shop (& Rent) Local
Support Vail’s vibrant local economy by renting gear and shopping at town boutiques. Renting skis and equipment from local outfitters ensures these resources are used to their fullest while avoiding the hassle and emissions of flying with heavy gear. From handcrafted souvenirs to essential winter gear, every purchase helps sustain the community’s eco-friendly initiatives.
4. Pack Light
Packing light does more than simplify your travel — it reduces fuel consumption. Lighter luggage means less fuel burned by planes, buses or cars, and every 100 pounds can impact a vehicle’s MPG by about 1%. Leave some room in your suitcase and plan to shop for some essentials locally.
5. Respect the World Around You
Being a responsible traveler means being considerate of the environment and those around you. Follow the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace to minimize your impact:
- Plan ahead to reduce waste
- Stay on trails to protect vegetation
- Dispose of waste properly — every wrapper counts
- Leave what you find, so every visitor can experience the thrill of discovery
- Minimize campfire impact if you’re venturing into the backcountry
- Respect wildlife and observe from a safe distance
- Be considerate of other visitors, giving uphill travelers the right of way
Test your knowledge of the seven principles by taking Vail’s Sustainability Quiz.
Be a Sustainable Role Model
When you embrace eco-friendly practices, you become a role model for fellow travelers. Encourage your companions to adopt green habits and inspire others to protect Vail’s environment. The more sustainable choices we make, the more we contribute to preserving this alpine wonderland.
Ready to experience Vail’s majestic mountain peaks and charming villages? Book your sustainable winter getaway today and be part of the community working to protect this extraordinary destination for generations to come.