World’s Only Certified B Corp Ski Resort Earns Highest Sustainability Score Yet

Taos Ski Valley, a ski resort in New Mexico, has earned its highest B Impact score yet, 97.8, after undergoing the B Corp recertification process with B Lab. Its recertification will last for three years.

Taos’ score is nearly 50 points above the median score ordinary businesses receive. B Corp certification requires a minimum score of 80. Patagonia, widely recognized as an outdoor industry leader in social and environmental impacts, scored 166.

B Lab’s certification process gauges a corporation's commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Five groups of criteria—governance, workers, community, environment, and customers—are considered during the process, and the scores make up what B Lab calls a B Impact score.

Founded as a non-profit in 2006, B Lab aims to shift the corporate status quo towards championing inclusivity, equity, and environmental sustainability. A statement published on its website neatly sums up the B Lab mission: “[We believe] That, through their products, practices, and profits, businesses should aspire to do no harm and benefit all.”

“As proud as we are of our B Corp recertification and score increase, they are not endpoints but milestones in our journey,” said Dawn Boulware, Vice President of Environmental and Social Responsibility at Taos Ski Valley. “We recognize that the path to improvement is ongoing and that there is always more to learn and achieve. We are committed to regularly reassessing our practices for sustainability and social impact.”

To increase its B Impact score (in 2020, Taos scored 82.7, just above the B Corp Certification watermark), Taos implemented several sustainability and social responsibility initiatives.

On the sustainability front, the resort upgraded energy-efficient systems, improved waste management practices, and increased recycling efforts. This year, Taos deployed a 100 percent electric snow groomer and began testing renewable diesel with its on-mountain equipment.

To address its social impacts, the resort committed itself to providing fair wages (at Taos, wages start at $18.50—the minimum wage in Taos County, New Mexico, is $12) and employee professional development opportunities.

“Caring for the people and the places in which we work is at the core of all we do, and it’s particularly gratifying that we can operate a business with this ethos while still offering one of the best skiing experiences in the world,” said John Kelly, Chief Operating Officer of Taos Ski Valley.

While other ski resort companies have created sustainability programs—in 2017, Vail Resorts announced its Commitment to Zero program, net operating footprint by 2030—Taos is the world’s only Certified B Corp ski resort.

Earlier this year, Taos was recognized by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) with a Golden Eagle Award in the Community and Partnerships category. The NSAA gives these awards to ski resorts and leaders in recognition of notable environmental performances. Other 2024 Golden Eagle recipients include Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Colorado; Boyne Resorts, Michigan; and Jay Peak Resort, Vermont.

Related: Multiple Inches of August Snow Possible in Montana Mountains

Be the first to read breaking ski news with POWDER. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing. From ski resort news to profiles of the world’s best skiers, we are committed to keeping you informed.

Submit your best clips for a chance to be featured on POWDER. Tune in and watch handpicked, high-quality ski videos streaming all day long on POWDER TV , and subscribe to our YouTube channel .