Passion is powerful—it drives us to achieve great things. At the Olympic Authority, our passion for winter sports is shared by many in our Adirondack and Catskill communities. Living and working in these regions, we’re committed to preserving winter and the outdoors for future generations. Sustainability is not separate from our work—it’s central to it, and we know our operations can thrive alongside environmental responsibility.
Across all six venues, our team’s commitment has already produced important advances that help preserve our environment. These include:
- Improving energy efficiency and reducing energy use
- Cutting greenhouse emissions
- Reducing waste and expanding recycling programs
- Minimizing salt runoff in lakes, rivers, and streams
- Developing hiking and mountain biking centers using existing infrastructure to ease pressure on popular trails
- Protecting dark skies to preserve natural nighttime environments
Our Shared Dedication
Among our 1,500+ staff, there is strong support for our sustainability priorities. Employee surveys reveal a clear consensus that environmental responsibility is a shared responsibility. This shared mindset reinforces our core commitment to being a reliable steward of the natural world.
Across all levels of the organization, our team is eager to take action—whether it’s properly separating waste or implementing major operational changes, such as eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from snowmaking. Every effort matters, and together, we are committed to doing what’s right for the environment.
Clean Technologies
To help preserve our winters, we are investing in clean technologies, like our fully electric Zamboni ice-resurfacing machines operating on the Olympic Center’s three indoor rinks and the speed skating oval outside.
While sustainability initiatives are underway at all our venues, the greatest impact is emerging at our three alpine ski areas: Belleayre, Gore, and Whiteface. Gore and Whiteface now feature large-scale solar arrays—Gore’s being the largest in the nation dedicated to a ski resort. Additionally, both Belleayre and Whiteface have begun purchasing green power from the New York Power Authority, allowing them to operate with zero emissions from electricity use.
The most recent data on energy use at our alpine ski centers—covering the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024—is shown in the graph below. Of particular importance are the avoided emissions, representing the emissions that would have occurred if less sustainable energy sources had been used. As the graph shows, those percentages for avoided emissions are:
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- 86% for Whiteface
- 35% for Gore
- 81% for Belleayre
The volume of avoided emissions reflects the significant impact of zero-carbon solutions on the environment. As winters grow warmer, electricity use at our ski mountains is largely driven by snowmaking systems, which are essential to providing reliable conditions for skiers and riders. Recent upgrades to these systems across all three mountains have significantly improved energy efficiency. Combined with our use of renewable power, these advancements reflect our team’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
In alignment with Governor Hochul’s 2022 directive for all state-owned light- and medium-duty vehicles to be zero-emission by 2035 (and heavy-duty vehicles by 2040), the Olympic Authority is actively transitioning its fleet to electric vehicles and equipment as technology and replacement cycles allow. Our electric Zambonis already support this goal, and our adoption of hybrid snow groomers shows how we are moving toward cleaner solutions even in our heavy-duty operations.
Buying Local
In 2024, we began reporting on our ongoing commitment to sourcing more locally grown foods—a strategy that helps reduce carbon emissions by shortening the distance goods need to travel. This approach also strengthens our regional economy, fosters community connections, and promotes healthier eating habits. Fresher food retains more nutrients, delivers better flavor, and enables our team to offer the nutritious menus our guests are looking for.
We continue to expand the share of food purchased locally or within New York State. Our team remains committed to ensuring that products are not only grown or raised nearby but also processed locally, supporting the full value chain close to home.
Across our venues, dining services are also working to minimize environmental impact by reducing single-use plastics and switching to more sustainable options like aluminum containers. Composting stations are being added to divert food waste from landfills, further cutting down on carbon emissions.
From the brands we source to the packaging we use—and how it’s ultimately disposed of—our food and beverage teams are rethinking every part of our dining operations to promote public health and protect the environment.
Innovations
Because what we do is unlike anything else, our people are often challenged to find innovative solutions. One of our most innovative improvements was the upgrade to the Olympic Center’s refrigeration system, which significantly boosted efficiency. Alongside this, our team installed a companion system that captures the waste heat generated while cooling the three indoor ice arenas and the outdoor speed skating oval. This excess heat is circulated through pipes beneath the outdoor walkways and the Olympic Center’s balcony to melt snow and ice, keeping these surfaces safe for visitors. This smart solution also reduces our reliance on salt.
LED Lighting
By switching to LED lighting—which uses 75% less energy than traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs—we’re not only cutting energy use but also gaining better control over lighting.
At the Olympic Jumping Complex, new downward-focused LED lights with an advanced control system enable major nighttime competitions while protecting the dark Adirondack skies. Progress is also underway at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, where LED upgrades complement new roofing and refrigeration improvements for the combined bobsled, skeleton, and luge track.
LED lighting upgrades are ongoing at all Olympic Authority venues as part of our commitment to reducing energy consumption and preserving nighttime skies.
Sustainable Slopes Pledges
Demonstrating our longstanding commitment to preserving our natural environment and precious winters, the Olympic Authority joined other ski areas nationwide years ago in signing the National Ski Area Association’s (NSAA) Sustainable Slopes Pledge.
With over 200 ski areas nationwide endorsing the pledge, the power of collective action becomes clear—when we all take responsibility, meaningful change happens. In that spirit, more than 10 million skiers and riders across the country are also encouraged to bring their own NSAA pledge through the Skier Sustainability Code.
Solutions Across Our Venues
The initiatives highlighted above are just a few examples of the Olympic Authority’s extensive efforts. Additional achievements include:
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- Ongoing upgrades to snowmaking technology, including high-efficiency snow guns at all ski venues
- Improved pumphouses and water systems for more efficient water lifting and distribution
- Conversion of fuel oil boilers to cleaner-burning, lower-emission propane
- Increased natural light in workspaces to reduce or eliminate the need for artificial lighting
- Protection of Bicknell’s Thrush nesting sites on Whiteface and Gore Mountains, a species of special concern
- Collaborative modifications to salt use with NYS DOT and Adirondack municipalities to safeguard ecosystems and water quality
- Installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations across venues
- Adoption of RFID technology for lift tickets and passes to reduce printing and enable easy reloads
- Transitioning heating and air conditioning units from propane to electric
- Offering “front country” hiking that leverages existing infrastructure to ease pressure on popular wilderness trails
- Expanding pollinator-friendly landscaping
- Providing educational and interpretive trail panels to deepen visitor appreciation of our forests, streams, and mountains
Building a Legacy of Sustainability and Social Benefit
By taking a leadership role in environmental preservation, the Olympic Authority is making a meaningful difference both in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves and on a global scale. Our staff and organization are committed to driving sustainable operations that protect our quality of life and way of life for future generations.
Alongside this environmental commitment, we are successfully fulfilling our mission: generating economic and social benefits in the Adirondacks and Catskills through year-round venues that offer recreational and athletic development opportunities. We achieve this through continuous improvement, fiscal responsibility, and delivering world-class programs and experiences for people of all ages and abilities. By enhancing the well-being of our guests and the environment we share, the Olympic Authority embodies a true quality-of-life organization.
Looking ahead, our team will continue to engage with communities, refine our operations, and conserve natural resources. We’ve accomplished a great deal already and are excited about the opportunities ahead, which will further enrich the lives of people in our region, across New York State, and beyond.