Lakewood, CO – The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) on Wednesday released its 10th Sustainable Slopes Annual Report detailing the ski industry’s progress in implementing the principles of its Environmental Charter during the 2009-10 winter season, including $100,000 distributed in environmental grants to member resorts.nOver 190 ski resorts across the U.S. endorse the NSAA Environmental Charter, representing about 75 percent of the country’s skier visits. The primary focus of the Sustainable Slopes program last season was implementing and improving upon the new Sustainable Slopes Grant Program.

“We are thrilled to see the Sustainable Slopes Grant Program reach the $100,000 mark in only its second year, and we’re confident that the implementation of these grants at our member ski areas are paying great dividends,” said NSAA President Michael Berry.

The Annual Report highlights the donations from sponsors and partners that make the grant program a success, including two in-kind snowmaking grants from NSAA supplier member Snow Economics, Inc., and sister company HKD Snowmakers. The two in-kind grants of 10 SV10 high efficiency snowmaking guns have a total value of $80,000 and were awarded to Mt. Abram in Maine and Crested Butte in Colorado.

The Report further highlights four cash grants sponsored by energy bar maker CLIF Bar & Co. and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) awarded to resorts for the following programs: an energy management and interpretive signage projects at Alta Ski Area (Utah); an electric bike used for resort maintenance at Crested Butte (Colo.); water bottle refilling stations at Grand Targhee (Wyo.); and a composting pilot project at Stevens Pass (Wash.).

Based on a survey of NSAA-member ski resorts, the annual report released Wednesday highlights resorts’ progress in conserving energy and water, reducing solid waste, educating employees and guests, and partnering with communities.