Industry News
Association recognizes innovative strategies in sustainability, safety, marketing, and growth.
The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) named the winners of its annual awards in sustainability, safety, marketing, and beginner conversion (growth). The awards were presented to ski area members with the most innovative and successful programs in each category at the association’s National Convention and Tradeshow in Frisco, Texas, on Thursday, May 23.
NSAA award finalists and winners are listed below by category, along with links to learn more about each finalist and see lists of previous winners.
“With so many strong submissions, this year was especially difficult to determine who would rise to the top spots. Award season is a little bit of friendly rivalry with a whole lot of innovation, teamwork and resort pride.”
– Kelly Pawlak, NSAA president and CEO
2024 NSAA Award Winners and Finalists
Winners are indicated in bold.
Conversion Cup
Awarded to the ski area that demonstrates through quantitative results that they are turning beginner skiers and riders into repeat customers, and ultimately lifelong enthusiasts of the sport.
- Nub’s Nob, MI
- Ski Saint Bruno, Canada
- Winter4Kids
Golden Eagle Awards for Sustainability
Overall Environmental Excellence
- Arapahoe Basin, CO
- Copper Mountain Resort, CO
- Vail Resorts, CO
Community & Partnerships
- Copper Mountain Resort, CO
- Massanutten Resort, VA (tie)
- Taos Ski Valley, NM (tie)
Climate Change Impact
- Boyne Resorts, MI
- Jay Peak Resort, VT
- Steamboat Ski Resort, CO
Hero of Sustainability
- Hunter Wright (Eldora Mountain Resort, CO)
- Kate Wilson (Vail Resorts, CO) (tie)
- Mike Nathan (Arapahoe Basin, CO) (tie)
- Tommy Murray (Taos Ski Valley, NM)
Innovation in Sustainability
- Boyne Resorts, MI
- Jay Peak Resort, VT
- Panorama Mountain Resort, BC
Sustainable Slopes Grants
In addition to the Golden Eagle Awards, NSAA, and partner HKD Snowmakers awarded Sustainable Slopes Grants to four ski areas. Now in its 15th year, this grant program provides cash and in-kind funding to support sustainability projects. Over $890,000 in cash and in-kind funding has been awarded to ski areas seeking to reduce their footprint and increase their environmental stewardship.
- Timberline Lodge & Ski Area (OR) – LED lighting upgrade project
- The Summit at Snoqualmie (WA) – Building energy efficiency project
- Burke Mountain Resort (VT) – HKD Impulse air/water snowguns
- Eldora Mountain Resort (CO) – HKD Impulse air/water snowguns
There are two types of grants ski areas can apply for: Cash Grants, which provide cash to fund your next sustainability project and the newly renamed Herman K. Dupré Sustainable Snowmaking Grant, which provides energy efficient snowmaking equipment. Learn more about the Herman K. Dupré Sustainable Snowmaking Grant. NSAA thanks dedicated sponsor HKD Snowmakers for providing equipment to ski areas to make their snowmaking programs more efficient and sustainable.
“These ski areas are being recognized for leading by example and incorporating sustainable practices and environmental stewardship into all aspects of their resorts, including snowmaking. HKD Snowmakers is proud to support the NSAA Sustainable Slopes Grant and further the ski industry’s commitment to a sustainable future.”
– Charles Santry, president of HKD Snowmakers
Marketing Awards
Best Overall Campaign (over 500k visits)
- Palisades Tahoe, CA
- Snowbird, UT
- Sun Valley, ID
Best Overall Campaign (under 500k visits)
- Arapahoe Basin, CO
- Grand Targhee Resort, WY
- Mountain Creek, NJ
Best Social Media Campaign
- Crotched Mountain Ski & Ride, NH
- Keystone Resort, CO
- Palisades Tahoe, CA
- Winterplace Ski Resort, WV
Best Use of Video
- Holiday Valley Ski Resort, NY
- Keystone Resort, CO
- Mammoth Mountain, CA
- Ski California, CA
- Stevens Pass, WA
Stoked on Safety Award
- Ski California, Deep Snow Safety campaign
Mountains are for Everyone
The Mountains are for Everyone award is designed to recognize the ski area or resort group that has made inclusion a priority for guests and/or staff. These events, campaigns or programs should foster inclusive spaces, and incorporate authentic representation and messaging that make clear that mountains are for everyone.
- Big SNOW American Dream, NJ
- Loveland Ski Area, CO
- Massanutten Resort, VA
- Vail Resorts, CO
Safety Awards
Best Overall Safety Program (Over 500k visits)
- Mammoth Mountain, CA
- Jackson Hole, WY
- Sun Valley, ID
Best Overall Safety Program (Under 500k visits)
- Tamarack Resort, ID
- Blue Mountain Resort, PA
- Loveland Ski Area, CO
Best Collision Prevention Program
- Heavenly, CA
- Snowbasin, UT
Best Your Responsibility Code Program
- Tamarack Resort, ID
- Crystal Mountain, MI
- Loveland Ski Area, CO
Best Guest Safety Program
- Powderhorn, CO
- Arizona Snowbowl, AZ
- Sugarbush Resort, VT
Best Employee Safety Program
- Wildcat Mountain, NH
- Stowe Mountain Resort, VT
- Arapahoe Basin, CO
Safety Champion
- Brian Gannon | Sierra at Tahoe, CA
- John DiSciullo | Loveland Ski Area, CO
- Kolina Coe | Keystone Resort, CO
