Snowbird's Hillary Arens Recognized As 'Hero Of Sustainability' By NSAA

Hilary Arens, Snowbird’s Director of Sustainability, was recognized by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) as a “Hero of Sustainability” during the organization’s 2019 national conference in San Diego.

The “Hero of Sustainability” award is one of four Golden Eagle Awards for Environmental Excellence established in 1993 by the trade association to laud a resort or individual for outstanding achievement in environmental performance. Specifically, the HOS recognizes a ski area employee who goes the extra mile to make impacts, big or small, to influence a resort’s policy, or employee or guest action, toward the goal of improved sustainability.

“It is remarkable how supportive Snowbird is of the sustainability movement, and how the resort is continuously looking for new and better ways to improve the environment, both locally and nationally,” Arens said. “Taking steps towards sustainability are not only important for the ski industry but are crucial for success in the climate action movement. I am honored to receive this award from NSAA and am grateful that I get to help Snowbird continue to achieve its environmental goals.”

Arens, who has been in her role since 2016, has implemented numerous projects to advance Snowbird’s ambitious environmental priorities. Including:

• Creation and implementation of the R.I.D.E. Program (Reducing Individual Driving for the Environment) and helping launch a mobile-phone application to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion.
• Installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations.  
• Designing a glass recycling program and various plastic waste reduction initiatives.  

In addition to the carbon footprint reduction programs, Arens has spearheaded several water quality improvement actions at Snowbird, including a watershed restoration project with Trout Unlimited, tree planting projects with TreeUtah, and involved Snowbird with the Slow the Flow campaign, a Utah-wide initiative focused on water conservation. 

Snowbird advocates for climate action by educating and engaging guests and employees on various climate topics and by joining Protect Our Winters in 2018 to lobby the U.S. Congress for climate action