The Sustainable Tourism Plan aims to balance community foundation with economic success and environmental protection and sustainability. Photo: TownLift // Meredith Kluever.

PARK CITY, Utah – Park City Chamber of Commerce | Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCCVB) celebrates Sustainability Day on October 26. After developing the Sustainable Tourism Plan, PCCVB received support from both Park City and Summit County councils.

Initiatives tackled in the plan include preserving natural resources and supporting the local community amid an influx of visitors. The renewed vision for the future of Park City and Summit County’s tourism sector strikes a balance between protecting the environment and residents’ quality of life while also promoting a thriving economy. This balance reflects the values of Sustainability Day, as it was envisioned 50 years ago.

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating Sustainability Day, not only for our recent efforts but to keep Park City as beautiful and as prosperous as possible,” said Jennifer Wesselhoff, President and CEO of PCCVB.

The plan was released ahead of the busy winter season to highlight sustainable tourism in Summit County. The County’s largest municipality, Park City, has set ambitious climate goals: to be net-zero carbon and run on 100% renewable electricity for City operations by the end of 2022 and for the whole community by 2030. The town also strives to be zero waste by 2030 and to become a leader in the transition to clean, reliable energy, a healthy environment, and sustainable community resources, including food, water, and housing.

“We also want to recognize sustainability work being done in our community’s private sector, as well,” Wesselhoff said.

Nearly 100 local businesses are adhering to the principles set out by Recycle Utah’s Green Business Program, including the town’s two ski resorts. With the 2022 ski season and opening day fast approaching, PCCVB wanted to highlight sustainable efforts being implemented by Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. The electric usage from both resorts will be provided by 100% renewable energy in 2030, powered by a partnership with the Elektron Solar Project, a new solar farm outside Salt Lake City.

“At Park City Mountain, we are motivated to preserve and protect the environment where we work, live, and play. This bold commitment to sustainability applies to all the resorts that we operate – providing an opportunity to have a huge impact on preserving the environment,” said Deirdra Walsh, VP and COO of Park City Mountain. “We are proud to continually implement programs and initiatives under each pillar to drive this goal locally.”

Park City Mountain’s electric usage will be provided by 100% renewable energy beginning in 2023, powered by its partnership in the Elektron Solar Project, a new solar farm outside Salt Lake City.
The Elektron Solar Project is part of Commitment to Zero, the goal launched in 2017 by Vail Resorts to be Net Zero Impact by 2030.
Commitment to Zero includes 3 pillars: Zero Waste to Landfill by 2030, Zero Net Emissions by 2030, and Zero Impact on Forests & Habitat. Park City Mountain is a leading participant in Commitment to Zero, including diverting 421 tons of waste from the landfill in 2021 through reuse and recycling.

“Deer Valley is committed to protecting the beautiful mountains that we are so lucky to call home. A lot of our work includes collaboration across the community and industry. Working with others allows us to constantly be striving for the best in our operations,” Victoria Schlaepfer, Sustainability Manager at Deer Valley Resort, said.

Currently, 37% of Deer Valley’s power is solar. By 2030, it will be aligned to meet a 100% renewable electricity goal.
Deer Valley just completed a full greenhouse gas inventory and is now analyzing those results to achieve a 10% reduction of these emissions in the next year.
In 2021, Deer Valley started a fuel reduction program through controlled burns, which entailed having its trail crew trained on burn pile methods by the state and county fire department and Forest Service. Deer Valley continuously monitors for favorable conditions, such as snowfall and good air quality, to conduct controlled burns.

Park City citizens can join in on Sustainability Day celebrations by picking up litter, donating clothing, leveraging social media to talk about sustainability, recycling, and more. For more information on Park City and Summit County’s Sustainable Tourism planning process or to view documents, go to visitparkcity.com/sustainabletourismplan.