SAM Magazine-Lakewood, Colo., Sept. 8, 2010-The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) is awarding $100,000 in grants and in-kind contributions through its Sustainable Slopes program. The grants were the primary focus of the ten-year-old program this year. The 10th Sustainable Slopes Annual Report, released yesterday, details the program and the ski industry's progress in implementing the principles of its Environmental Charter during the 2009-10 season.

Based on a survey of member resorts, the report describes resorts' progress in conserving energy and water, reducing solid waste, educating employees and guests, and partnering with communities. More than 190 resorts have endorsed the Environmental Charter, representing about 75 percent of the ski industry by visits.

"We are thrilled to see the Sustainable Slopes Grant Program reach the $100,000 mark in only its second year, and we're confident that the implementation of these grants at our member ski areas is paying great dividends," said NSAA president Michael Berry.

The Annual Report also lists the sponsor and partner donations that make the grant program a success. These include two in-kind snowmaking grants from Snow Economics, Inc., and sister company HKD Snowmakers. The two in-kind grants of 10 SV10 high-efficiency snowmaking guns have a total value of $80,000; they went to Mt. Abram, Maine, and Crested Butte,Colo.

The Report further highlights four cash grants sponsored by energy bar maker CLIF Bar & Co. and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). These helped fund energy management and interpretive signage projects at Alta, Utah; an electric bike used for resort maintenance at Crested Butte; water bottle refilling stations at Grand Targhee, Wyo.; and a pilot composting project at Stevens Pass, Wash.

The 75-page 2010 Sustainable Slopes Annual Report is available in the Sustainable Slopes section of NSAA's website under the Environment menu at www.nsaa.org.