Mount Hood Meadows says it’s implementing a number of sustainable initiatives and practices. It’s not necessarily a new idea for the ski resort. However, their mission is to provide a quality resort experience while respecting Mount Hood. The sustainability manager says that they have ramped up efforts in the last few years.

Some of the things they’re doing include committing to 100% wind energy for all the electricity needs by 2011. They plan on purchasing renewable energy certificates and allowing guests to purchase ski green offsets. The ski resort has also integrated biodegradable food service items like cups and to-go containers.

When doing construction, the resort tries to keep landscape impacts at a minimum and has even used helicopters to install chairlifts. They’re also careful to only re-plant native vegetation, which they collect with the help of the U.S. Forest Service.

Guests can purchase a SkiGreen offset at the lift ticket window. They $2 cost offsets approximately 150 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent of driving an average car 150 miles. The SkiGreen program has been operating since 2004.