Issue No. 107
Download the AEC's Spring 2026 Newsletter
Celebrating Sustainability Milestones
The Alta Environmental Center (AEC) is honored to receive the Golden Eagle Award for Overall Environmental Excellence from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA). The Golden Eagle recognizes industry leaders in sustainability who demonstrate broad programming and a holistic approach to environmental achievement across their operations.
AEC Director, Jen Melton, accepting NSAA's 2026 Golden Eagle Award | Photo: NSAA
Alta and the AEC were previously awarded the Golden Eagle Award in 2022 and 2013. In 2014, the AEC’s former Director, Maura Olivos, received NSAA’s Hero of Sustainability Award. The same award was bestowed upon Alta’s former General Manager, Onno Wierenga, in 2017.
We know this recognition reflects the collaboration, care and commitment of people throughout Alta who deeply value the mountain environment. This award belongs to the employees, managers and leaders who have helped make stewardship part of Alta’s culture and daily operations over many years. We feel incredibly fortunate to build on the work of those before us who helped lay that foundation and it is especially meaningful to see Alta’s long-standing commitment to protecting this place recognized once again.
Reflecting on a Warm Winter
Let's address the changing climate as witnessed by our most recent warm and weird winter. The seasonal snowfall pendulum at Alta Ski Area swung from a record-shattering high of 903 inches during the 2022–23 season to a record-breaking low of 321 inches in 2025–26. Every winter is unique, but these recent outliers tell an important story of the changing climate by offering a glimpse into the future of winters in the Wasatch.
While Alta has experienced low-snow seasons before, this winter was defined by record-breaking statistics:
- First season to average more than 10% snow density, finishing at 11.35%
- 11 new daily high-temperature records set, alongside one record low
- 12 days of rain at the base area—surpassing Alta’s average of one to two days
Despite significant precipitation across Utah this winter—Alta’s seasonal water was 80% of average—warmer temperatures meant many storms arrived as rain instead of snow. NOAA forecasts suggest these increasingly unpredictable and volatile winters are likely to continue, with more extreme winter rain events replacing snowfall.
As these climate challenges evolve, so must we.
By embracing smarter practices in terrain management, water usage, technology and energy consumption, Alta is preparing for the potential of warmer winters while continuing to deliver the ski experience generations have come to love. At the same time, we remain grounded in the reality of the climate challenges shaping the future of winter in the Wasatch.
Community Outreach
From December through April, we invited skiers and snowshoers to explore Alta through a different lens. Led by experts from our local nonprofit partners, these weekly tours highlighted the area’s geology, ecology, wildlife, history and more. When we connect with our recreators at these events—visitors and locals alike—we share a piece of that Alta magic that they can carry forward on and off the slopes.
TreeUtah Volunteer and Certified Arborist, Ian Piesner, leading Trees and Skis | Photo: Tyler Struss
This winter we hosted a total of 32 events, engaging a record-breaking 926 participants. Thank you to our skiers who joined us on the slopes and incredible partners—none of this is possible without your passion, expertise and dedication.
Recreating On Our Drinking Water
The Wasatch Mountains act as a natural water tower—providing drinking water to more than 400,000 people daily. As the headwaters of a protected watershed, Alta works hard to ensure that this vital resource leaving our slopes returns to our communities as clean drinking water.
Little Cottonwood Creek flowing through Alta | Photo: Rocko Menzyk
Did you know... it takes less than 24 hours for a drop of water at Alta to reach your faucet in the Salt Lake Valley? Get informed to help us keep it pure this summer by following Salt Lake City Public Utilities watershed rules and regulations.
Town of Alta Adopts Utah Renewable Communities Ordinance
Alta Ski Area supports the Town of Alta’s adoption of the Utah Renewable Communities (URC) program, a statewide initiative that allows participating communities to collectively support new renewable energy development through Rocky Mountain Power (RMP).
The URC program was recently approved by the Utah Public Service Commission through Utah’s Community Clean Energy Act, a state law that enables 19 local communities to work with RMP to support new renewable energy development intended to match 100% of their electricity use. The program includes the Town of Alta, Salt Lake City, Park City, Moab, Millcreek and Ogden, among others.
Residential customers in participating communities will initially see a fixed $4 monthly charge, while non-residential customers will pay a small usage-based charge tied to electricity consumption. Program funding also supports administration of the program and low-income assistance credits, helping ensure broader access to renewable energy participation for community members who are often disproportionately affected by climate and air quality impacts.
One of the unique aspects of the program is its community-wide structure. Rather than relying solely on voluntary participation, customers are automatically enrolled while still maintaining the option to opt out. This approach spreads participation more broadly across the community while helping support larger-scale renewable energy development.
Alta Ski Area currently participates in RMP’s Blue Sky program and views URC as an opportunity to support renewable energy through a broader community-based framework. As the largest electricity user within the Town of Alta, the ski area recognizes the importance of long-term energy planning and appreciates the Town Council’s leadership in supporting participation in the program.
Get involved this summer
To promote environmental education and stewardship, the AEC collaborates with local non-profits to host free summer events for curious minds of all ages. These guided experiences blend recreation with learning—building deeper connections with our land and community. Join us on the slopes and make a difference >
This summer, we are joined by these local non-profit organizations:
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