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Awards
CELEBRATING SKI AREA
EXCELLENCE
The Nuts and Bolts of NSAA Awards
BY EARL SALINE, NSA A DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
IF YOU’VE EVER HESITATED to submit an application for an improving our industry and bringing new people into skiing
NSAA marketing, safety, or environmental award, it might and riding. Winners are chosen based upon award- or
be because you don’t think you’ll have the bandwidth category-specific criteria.
or time to pull together the materials, you think the
competition is too stiff, or maybe you just don’t see the value 1. Golden Eagle Awards
in the effort. If any of this sounds familiar, you might want
to take another look at the process. Chances are you’ll be The Golden Eagle Awards for Environmental Excellence
pleasantly surprised at just how easy it is to participate. recognize area environmental programs and projects. Begun
in 1993, in partnership with SKI Magazine, the Golden
Almost every resort—whether small, medium, or large— Eagles recognize resorts actively addressing environmental
has at least one notable marketing program, safety initiative, issues. One goal in developing these awards was to encourage
sustainability effort, or conversion success that stands other resorts to do the same and also to help publicize
shoulder-to-shoulder with those of other resorts. And, with templates for similar projects across the industry.
the application process more streamlined than ever, there are
clear guidelines to make a strong case for why your program The resort awards are divided into three categories:
is top notch. small (fewer than 200,000 annual skier/boarder visits),
medium (200,000 to 500,000 visits) and large (more than
Here’s a look at the what, why, and how of NSAA’s 500,000 visits). In addition, the Golden Eagles have a “Hero
national awards to help you with the process. of Sustainability” category to recognize individuals that are
making a difference at their area.
Why Have Awards?
So what does it take to win a Golden Eagle? Entries
Remember that trophy you got back in the 3rd grade? How are judged upon the results achieved through reducing the
cool did you feel when your name (or your team’s name) was area’s environmental impact. Results may pertain to water
called and you hoisted that prize as high as your little arms conservation, a reduction in energy use, carbon emissions, or
could go. From the earliest ages we are put into competitive the amount of area-generated waste, and even in the use of
environments that recognize and reward the “best” of the best. sustainable building practices.
The bigger the trophy, the more important the reward, right?
Examples of these kinds of programs at ski areas include
Okay, maybe that’s not always true. NSAA fosters the use of more efficient equipment such as snow guns,
friendly competition among member resorts through its reducing the use of snowmobiles or groomers, composting,
various award programs. The awards are one way we, as an use of treated grey water in snowmaking, using recycled
industry, recognize our “best of the best” and showcase those building materials and low impact construction, and the use
area programs and people that are leading the way in safety, of low-energy/high-efficiency fixtures.
marketing, environmental programs, and resort leadership.
2. Marketing Awards
Think you’ve got what it takes to win one of these
awards? Read on to learn more about each award and what it The NSAA Marketing Awards recognize the best area
takes to take a spot on the podium. marketing programs across several categories that are critical
to an area’s success. The seven categories for 2015-16 are:
What Are the NSAA Awards?
BEST USE OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
NSAA has four annual award programs, each designed
to identify the best area programs and people that are B EST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
BEST DIRECT RESPONSE MARKETING CAMPAIGN
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