Sun Valley Resort in Idaho has won the 2025 Golden Eagle award for environmental excellence, presented annually by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA). The resort earned first place in the Climate Change Impact category, thanks largely to its innovative geothermal-powered snowmelt system.
The system uses 135°F water from a nearby hot spring to heat the 21,674-square-foot patio at Warm Springs Lodge. This geothermal solution eliminates the need for natural gas heating, cutting the resort’s annual carbon emissions by approximately 101 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. That reduction is equal to removing nearly 24 gas-powered cars from the road each year.
“We believe sustainability and great guest experiences can work together,” said Pete Sonntag, Sun Valley’s chief operating officer. “This award honors that vision and the teamwork that made it happen.”
Sun Valley’s other eco-friendly initiatives highlighted by the award include installing 30 solar panels on employee housing, launching a vanpool program for staff, and ongoing reforestation efforts.
“This recognition confirms that ski resorts must play a key role in fighting climate change,” said Betsy Siszell, the resort’s sustainability manager. “We are committed to building a sustainable future, one project at a time.”
Finalists for the Climate Change Impact award included Boyne Mountain Resort in Michigan and Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado.
Susanna Sieff, sustainability director for the International Ski Federation (FIS), praised the award’s impact: “There is nothing as powerful as concrete examples that deliver real results.”
The Golden Eagle awards were presented during the NSAA National Convention and Tradeshow held Tuesday in Marco Island, Florida. Ski resorts across the U.S. also received honors for achievements in safety, marketing, and more.