For most of us northerners, the initial excitement of winter’s first snowfall has long passed.  The snow – or slush, if you will – that remains on the ground today is more the sloppy, soaking-through-your-shoes kind.  Definitely not the kind of fluff you can build a snowman with. In fact, to get to the good stuff, many of us have to pack our bags.  And in weather like this, planning a vacation doesn’t take too much convincing.

Why not take a break from the street side slush for a sustainable ski weekend away?  You’re guaranteed to find fresh powder if you choose a mountaintop smartly. And if you’re wondering where to start, simply check out the Ski Area Citizens’ Coalition Report Card, an independent listing that rates recreational ski areas on environmental performance and policies.

This year’s score card takes into account several categories: habitat protection, watershed protection, global climate impact, and eco practices and policies.  Based on performance in each section, the resorts are rated, ranked, and posted for review, allowing vacationers to spend travel dollars at properties that are giving back to the planet.

This year’s “Top 10” eco ski destinations:
Squaw Valley (Calif.)
Aspen Mountain Ski Resort (Colo.)
Buttermilk Mountain Ski Resort (Colo.)
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort (Calif.)
Sundance Resort (Utah)
Alpine Meadows Ski Area (Calif.)
Park City Mountain Resort (Utah)
Bogus Basin Mountain Resort (Idaho)
Aspen Highlands Ski Resort (Colo.)
Powderhorn Resort (Colo.)

To see a breakdown of the ski destinations’ “eco scorecards,” click here.  If you’re interested in seeing the least sustainable ski resorts, check out the “Worst 10.”  And learn more about the criteria upon which these scroes were based, here.

Just don’t forget to pack the green snow gear. If you’re in need of some new equipment, consider a bamboo snowboard or bamboo skis. … or take a gander at some of the outdoor retailers who may contribute to the 1% for the Planet organization.