Turning Recreation into Restoration

By late autumn, thick, fluffy snowflakes blanket the Rockies in a pillowy layer of powder, transforming the hillsides of the White River National Forest into a skier’s paradise.

Every winter, millions of visitors flock to our nation’s forests to ski, snowboard, and reconnect with loved ones. From quick getaways in humble lodges to week-long retreats at grand resorts, National Forests host nearly a third of Americans’ annual ski trips. In the coming years, as outdoor vacations continue to grow in popularity, forests expect to host even more visitors.

More people means more pressure on the ecosystems that host our treasured retreats. That is why, nearly two decades ago, the National Forest Foundation (NFF) teamed up with Vail Resorts to provide their guests a way to give back to the places where they play, so when the snow melts, we can do the conservation work that will help transform the hillsides again—for good.

The partnership resulted in the Ski Conservation Fund, which started with a simple idea: give skiers and riders the opportunity to donate when they purchase online products like Epic Passes, lift tickets, lodging, or merchandise, and the NFF will match every dollar with $0.50. The money raised supports stewardship priorities for the National Forest where the resort is located, which are set by the fund’s Community Advisory Committee of local conservation, recreation, and government leaders.

In Colorado’s White River National Forest, Vail Resorts’ guest-donation program raises nearly $1 million in sustainable recreation projects annually. Supplemented by other local partners, the fund supports recreation initiatives from trail stewardship programs that educate the community to maintenance and accessibility improvements that allow more people to enjoy the forest.

As more resorts across the West partner with the NFF to meet stewardship goals, the Ski Conservation Fund has snowballed into a multimillion-dollar conservation program built on our belief that when Americans are given an easy way to protect their National Forests, they will.

Consider visiting and contributing to one of our Ski Conservation Fund partners as you plan for this winter’s adventures.

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