PLAY FOREVER

Play Forever Initiatives

Soil Sequestration Study and Ski Conservation Summit– Last summer, Copper Mountain’s Play Forever team launched a 10-year carbon sequestration study to observe the health of the mountain soil. Working alongside students from Southwestern University, the team studied the resort’s slopes to understand how Copper is positively influencing the soil’s ability to store carbon. Students will return this July to continue the study and together, with Copper, will evaluate restoration strategies that can be used on the mountain to improve carbon storage. Alongside the study, Copper will host its annual Ski Conservation Summit, inviting local community organizations and ski industry partners to discuss their own sustainability efforts in a collaborative environment. The Conservation Summit will focus discussion on land, water, and ecosystem conservation.

Play Forever Summer Giving Program – In the spirit of giving back to the local community, Copper Mountain is continuing its successful Play Forever giving program for a third summer in a row. In July, August and September, Copper will donate a portion of proceeds generated from summer activity pass sales to three non-profit organizations that prioritize one of three things: local relief, on-mountain inclusivity or protecting the environment. Since 2020, Copper has donated $477,520 to local nonprofits through lift ticket giving programs including $150,000 that was raised during the winter of 2022-23. This summer’s recipient non-profits include High Country Conservation Center, Summit County Rescue Group, and the Family & Intercultural Resource Center.

PepsiCo CIRQU Powered by Replenysh – In the winter of 2022-23, Copper launched an exciting new recycling initiative, PepsiCo’s CIRQU Powered by Replenysh. CIRQU allows Copper to circulate aluminum and plastic through closed loop recycling and allows Pepsi to integrate the material back into their supply chain. The program is helping to eliminate downcycling. Bins for the program have been rolled out in lift lines and dining outlets, primarily in the resort’s Center Village. Copper has plans to integrate CIRQU resort wide in the coming seasons.

Hero of Sustainability –

Jeff Grasser, Copper’s Senior Resort Operations and Sustainability Manager, has been named this year’s Hero of Sustainability at the 2023 NSAA Golden Eagle Awards. Jeff is the life blood of Copper’s Play Forever commitment and has spearheaded the resort’s sustainability initiatives over the past several years. In 2019, Jeff implemented a native seed collection program to help resort vegetation on the mountain. He has also enacted a 10-year carbon sequestration study to analyze the health of Copper’s slopes, and has been leading the charge on CIRQU, the closed loop recycling program. Big congrats to Copper’s sustainability superstar!