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TRAILS
Blue Mountain Resort straddles the Niagara Escarpment and all
development on the ski hills is regulated by the Niagara Escarpment
Commission (NEC). As a result, Blue works hand-in-hand with the NEC
every time they want to put a shovel in the dirt.
In addition, BMR converges with the internationally recognized Bruce Trail.
“We have public hiking trails that run up and down the Escarpment; some
of these trails connect the Bruce Trail,” says Ayers. With BMR-maintained
hiking trails feeding into the Bruce Trail in some areas, there is a sense of
connectivity and community.
ENERGY
It takes planning and effort tominimize the effects of developing a four-
season destination on the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCOworld biosphere
reserve. One area of advancement is the upgrade to ultra-energy-efficient
Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting for night skiing. BMR performed a pilot
project using LED lights on selected ski trails this past season. “You can
tell the difference,” Ayers says. “The light is more uniform, crisp, more
white vs. yellow.” From an environmental perspective, the LED lights
significantly reduce direct up light and skyglow and reduce light trespass
from entering natural animal habitats. The lights also have a positive
effect on skier safety and overall guest experience, which further leads to
its positive review. “Based on results of the pilot project, we are optimistic
that retrofitting all of BMR’s ski trails with LED lights will not only improve
the experience for guests who ski or ride at night but we also expect
energy savings of up to 60 percent.”
BMR has explored, and will continue to explore renewable energy
opportunities as technology advances. Though it does not currently
generate renewable energy onsite, exploring these alternatives will always
be a part of playing a sustainable role in the resort industry.
Blue Mountain Resort has been a member of the National Ski Areas
Association’s program, Sustainable Slopes since its inception in 2000.
Sustainable Slopes provides an overarching framework for ski areas
regarding sustainability and enhanced environmental performance. BMR
was the first ski resort in Ontario to endorse the Sustainable Slopes
Environmental Charter.
You won’t see giant banners advertising BMR’s green initiatives. Instead,
you will find gentle reminders to not let cars idle while loading and
unloading gear and to recycle waste properly. “Part of what we are doing
is educating guests on what they can do,” says Ayers. “With 2million
visitors annually, I look at it as an opportunity to remind and to educate
guests on what you can do as a skier, rider or hiker at Blue.” In short,
the impact of BMR’s efforts relies on guests who support and augment
environmental initiatives. As environmental awareness grows across the
population and the resort business, steps both big and small can be
taken together.
It takesplanningandeffort tominimize the
effectsof developinga four-seasondestination
on theNiagaraEscarpment, aUNESCOworld
biosphere reserve.
BLUEMOUNTAINRESORTS
