Sun Valley, ID – May 14, 2025 – Sun Valley Resort has been named the first-place recipient of the prestigious National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) Golden Eagle Awards, in recognition of the resort’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and the exceptional performance of its geothermal snowmelt system at Warm Springs Lodge.

This honor highlights Sun Valley's dedicated investment in climate-forward infrastructure, most notably its geothermal project that harnesses naturally heated water from a nearby hot spring to power the snowmelt system for the 21,674-square-foot Warm Springs Lodge patio. The system eliminates the need for traditional natural gas heating, reducing the resort’s Scope 1 emissions by approximately 101 metric tons of CO2e annually—the equivalent of taking nearly 24 gas-powered vehicles off the road each year.

“The geothermal system is a testament to our belief that sustainability and exceptional guest experiences can go hand in hand,” said Pete Sonntag, COO of Sun Valley Resort. “We’re proud to receive this recognition and even prouder of the cross-departmental collaboration that made it possible.”

The geothermal system circulates glycol heated via a plate heat exchanger, using 135°F water from the upstream hot spring. With no added fuel costs, the project showcases how resource-efficient design can significantly reduce both emissions and long-term operating costs.

The award also recognizes Sun Valley’s broader sustainability achievements, including:

• Completion of a comprehensive GHG inventory and internal sustainability report
• A 47% waste diversion rate with a 6% reduction in landfill contributions
• Installation of 30 solar panels for employee housing
• A robust employee vanpool program saving 134,400 vehicle miles annually
• Forest health and reforestation efforts resulting in treatments and native plantings.
• Partnership support for local conservation and clean energy initiatives

As part of the resort’s long-term vision, Sun Valley recently established a conservation fund in partnership with the National Forest Foundation to further engage guests and the local community in land stewardship. 

“This award reinforces our belief that mountain resorts can—and must—play a critical role in addressing climate change,” said Betsy Siszell, Sun Valley Resort Sustainability Manager. “From protecting our forests to reducing emissions, we’re committed to building a more sustainable future, one project at a time.”

In addition to the NSAA Golden Eagle Award, Sun Valley Resort has been recognized as a FIS Nature and Biodiversity Protection and Restoration Award finalist. This award aims to recognize and reward innovative projects that protect and enhance nature and biodiversity in winter sports, encouraging sports organizations to actively engage in protecting and restoring natural habitats while inspiring positive action for biodiversity.

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