Sun Valley Resort Achieves Certification as a Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Area

Sun Valley, ID – February 25, 2025 – Sun Valley Resort is proud to announce that it has been officially recognized as a Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Area by the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation (WPEF). This prestigious certification highlights the resort's ongoing commitment to conservation, environmental stewardship, and public education about the importance of the threatened  whitebark pine tree and its critical role in high-elevation ecosystems.

The certification, awarded after a rigorous evaluation, recognizes Sun Valley Resort’s efforts to integrate whitebark pine conservation into its operations. The resort’s successful application involved collaboration with leading experts, including Sun Valley Resort’s James Grant, Director Mountain Operations; Betsy Siszell, Sustainability Manager; Michael Fitzpatrick, Manager Mountain Guest Services; Mike Giesey of WPEF, as well as Debarah Taylor, a botanist with the U.S. Forest Service. Collectively, the teams developed a series of conservation strategies and educational initiatives to protect and promote the health of whitebark pine on Sun Valley's slopes and surrounding areas.

This past fall, Sun Valley Resort employees participated in a collaborative effort with the U.S. Forest Service to plant 500 whitebark pine trees in suitable locations on Baldy. This initiative was  a key element in achieving  certification. The resort has also been working with NASA DEVELOP  to determine the distribution of whitebark pine in the Intermountain West through spectral signature classification and pathogenic analysis to assess forest health within the region. 

Additionally, the resort incorporated a new educational installation at Lookout Lodge. This interpretive installation educates visitors about this at-risk species that provides essential food for wildlife, and plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of mountain ecosystems. Visitors can also learn about this species and our local ecosystem by participating in the resort's whitebark pine self-guided ski experience or by attending one of the weekly complimentary ski tours offered by the U.S. Forest Service and Sun Valley Resort. 

"The resort is honored to receive the Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Area certification," said Pete Sonntag, Chief Operating Officer at Sun Valley Resort. "This recognition affirms the resort’s commitment to preserving the biodiversity of our mountain environment and our dedication to educating our guests and community about the importance of protecting these vital ecosystems. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with WPEF and other partners to safeguard the future of whitebark pine and the delicate balance of high-elevation habitats."

The certification is part of Sun Valley Resort’s ongoing sustainability efforts, which aim to protect and enhance the natural beauty of the area while providing a world-class experience for guests. As a permittee of public lands, Sun Valley will continue to integrate the Endangered Species Act (ESA) recovery requirements into its management of whitebark pine, ensuring that the resort’s operations align with best practices in environmental conservation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sun Valley Resort into the group of elite ski areas committed to the conservation of whitebark pine,” said Mike Giesey, Chair of the Ski Area Partnership Committee of the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation. “Their proactive approach and innovative strategies for whitebark pine preservation set a strong example for other ski areas across the country. Together, we can help ensure the survival of this important tree species for future generations.”

Sun Valley Resort remains dedicated to its ongoing environmental initiatives, focusing on sustainability and biodiversity conservation, and looks forward to strengthening its partnership with WPEF to continue this essential work.

For more information, please visit www.sunvalley.com or www.whitebarkfound.org.