White River National Forest Ski Conservation Fund

The NFF’s WRNF Ski Conservation Fund supports sustainable recreation and forest health projects across Colorado’s 2.3-million-acre White River National Forest (WRNF). The Fund provides an opportunity for guests of participating ski areas and lodges, including Vail Resorts, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, and Beaver Run Resort, to give back to the public lands that make their experiences possible via a donation program.

The NFF matches these contributions a net $.50 to the dollar and oversees the investment of those funds in projects and programs on the WRNF that enhance recreational opportunities and improve forest health.

Fund investments are guided by Community Advisory Committees in Eagle and Summit Counties. These groups, comprised of diverse community leadership representation including ski area managers, local government, land and wildlife managers, the tourism sector, and conservation and recreation organizations, outline broad stewardship priorities for their communities. WRNF staff then bring forth projects and programs for funding consideration on an annual basis that align with those stewardship priorities.

The NFF oversees implementation of selected projects and programs, administering grants to nonprofit organizations and contracts to regional businesses. To date, the program has invested over $8 million in on-the-ground projects and programs benefiting the WRNF and those who enjoy it.