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Vail Resorts owns and operates Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly. Their mission is “Extraordinary Resorts, Exceptional Experiences”. Vail Resorts’ commitment to family and youth programs supports the future vitality and growth of the snowsports industries. The company dedicates nearly all annual corporate giving towards local communities in the areas of education, youth enrichment and the environment. The management company feels a special obligation to protect the environment, and their support in this endeavor is unparalleled in the industry. Colorado’s Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) has recognized Vail Mountain for several years as a “Gold Leader”, the most prestigious level of the state’s program.

The EverVail Project will be the largest “Green” LEED certified resort town in North America. All of Vail Resorts properties and destinations are 100% powered by wind, and wind credits are purchased for 100% of the energy used in its mountain and hotel operations. This year Vail Resorts announced its Appetite for Life partnership with Coleman Natural and Horizon Organic. Meat served in Vail Resorts at mountain dining facilities is all natural, and all dairy products are organic. It also has a program to match donations made by guests to the National Forest Foundations.

Each spring Vail Resorts presents the largest annual highway and road clean up day in the state of Colorado, in conjunction with the Eagle River Watershed Council, a local non-profit conservation organization. It annually hosts clean up events of the Eagle and Blue Rivers, and supports the local chapters of organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, that ensures the wetlands, forests and other wildlife areas are restored, managed and protected.

Active in skier safety programs, Vail Resorts maintains a Mountain Safety Staff that patrols the mountain for “speeders” and to promote safe skiing habits. The Staff also conducts a Skier Safety Week that teaches safe skiing habits. Breckenridge Resort uses avalanche dog demonstrations to promote safe skiing to youth. The NSAA has consistently recognized Vail for having one of the best overall safety programs in the United States.

Although Vail Resorts’ marketing leadership has changed over the years, support of the Far West Ski Association, councils and clubs has remained steadfast. Vail Resorts ranks at the top among our industry partners in their financial support of the Association’s industry programs. This year’s Convention will mark Vail’s 19th year of participation in our Annual Silent Auction. It is in support of FWSA’s sponsorship program that Vail Resorts especially sets an industry standard of excellence. Vail Resorts hosted our Convention Luncheon for many years, the wine with the Awards Banquet at our 75th Anniversary, and this year, refreshments for the Multi-Media presentation. Advertising revenue provided to the Far West Skier’s Guide helps to ensure that the Association will continue to produce this outstanding publication for our members and snowsports enthusiasts.

Vail Resorts was the host for the December, 2005 FWSA Board of Directors Meeting in Breckenridge. FWSA Board Members, Trustees, Council Presidents and Committee Chairmen were welcomed with “open arms,” and the organization of the event was outstanding. The generosity of the Vail Resorts lodging properties and its member resorts was truly appreciated. It enabled the Association to conduct its winter meeting at a substantially reduced cost, while also providing the opportunity for the host ski industry members to meet and greet the leaders of our organization and have a better understanding of our mission and goals.

For its outstanding support of the skiing public and the Far West Ski Association, councils and clubs, and its truly inspirational protection of our environment, Vail Resorts embodies the spirit of the Tommi Tyndall Award and is deserving of recognition as this year’s recipient.