Sustainability

Tracking & Reducing Carbon Emissions

At the end of 2024, we participated in a global research study on the carbon intensity of food served in restaurants and cafeterias. Conducted by the Department of Tourism Research at Linnaeus University, Sweden, the study provided valuable insights into the carbon emissions per serving of our menu items. These findings have given us plenty of ’food for thought’ as we continue to refine and evolve our offerings.

We will begin tracking our carbon emissions using Green Economy Canada CarbonHound platform starting May 1, 2025. This will allow us to measure emissions from the 2024/25 season, supported by an Environmental Management intern joining us in May.

Sustainability Committee & Waste Reduction

In April 2024, we established a cross-departmental Sustainability Committee to drive environmental initiatives. These meetings combine sustainability education with brainstorming sessions to develop solutions tailored to our unique rural location.

One of our first initiatives was conducting a waste audit to assess opportunities for waste reduction. Since forming the committee, we have:

 -  Introduced a staff reusable cup program, avoiding 12,600 single-use cups in its first season (2024).
- Switched to compostable food trays to reduce landfill waste and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
- Partnered with Eco Dine Zero Waste to recycle our cooking oil, which is refined into useful products supporting Alberta’s agricultural industry.
- Increased collection of recyclable and reusable materials, donating them to local reuse and recycling centers.
 - Set a future goal to implement organic waste separation, once a waste disposal company can accommodate our needs.

Circular Economy Practices

The circular economy is a powerful idea: keep products and materials in use for as long as possible, then recover and regenerate them rather than sending them to landfill. For us, that means rethinking how we source, use, and retire everything from rental equipment to building materials. 

We follow the steps of circular products, designing out waste before it’s created, not after. 

Repurposing & Reusing Materials

Our terrain park team finds creative ways to repurpose old materials, transforming barrels, scrap wood, and other salvaged items into innovative park features.

For our 70th anniversary, we partnered with Blenderz Garment Recyclers to upcycle retired staff uniforms into bags and accessories - providing guests with a tangible piece of our history while reducing textile waste in landfills.

We were excited to find new ways to prevent our old uniforms from going to the landfill. This past spring we donated 91 uniforms to the North of 50 Project. We are always looking for new ways to re purpose items across the resort.

Sustainable Procurement - Choosing suppliers who share our values 

We are actively asking our suppliers sustainability questions about their own emissions, practices, and commitments, because we believe that real change travels up and down the supply chain, not just within our own walls and hills. We want to work with partners who share our values and are on their own journey toward a lower-impact future. 

We’re also seeking out alternative, low-emissions solutions across our procurement — from the products stocked in our lodge to the materials and services that keep the hill running. Where a greener option exists, we want to find it and choose it. 

We also focus on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) - ensuring the products we purchase are designed for longevity and responsible disposal. In fall 2025, we purchased new Snowsport School uniforms from Helly Hansen, the only ski wear manufacturer with an EPR program.

Alliance Member of Protect Our Winters (POW)

We are committed to protecting the places we play. As an alliance member of Protect Our Winters (POW) Canada, we are taking action to fight climate change and preserve winter sports for future generations.

 

Creating a welcoming, accessible space where everyone feels they belong — and supporting the people who make this place run. 

Reducing Food Waste & Supporting Our Team

At the end of each day, any leftover food from our cafeteria is shared with our hardworking staff — reducing food waste while taking care of our team. At the end of the season, any unopened bulk food items are donated support our wider community and ensure nothing goes to waste. In the 2024/2025 Season, we donated these items to the Parkland Foodbank, and in the 2025/2026 Season, we donated to Ronald McDonald House Edmonton.

As members of the City of Edmonton’s Waste Reduction Network, we gain valuable educational resources and participate in local sustainability initiatives.

Accessibility for All

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of snowsports. Through our partnership with CADS (Canadian Adaptive Snowsports), we offer accessible programs that make skiing and snowboarding more inclusive.

Our tubing park is also designed to be welcoming to all, ensuring as many people as possible can join in the fun.

Community Giving & Waste Reduction:

As members of the City of Edmonton’s Waste Reduction Network, we gain valuable educational resources and participate in local sustainability initiatives.

Each season, we donate unclaimed lost-and-found clothing items in good condition to the Boys and Girls Club of Canada, giving them a second life in our community.

Giving Back Through Our Weeknight Special

Every weeknight, we offer discounted evening lift tickets to make skiing and snowboarding more affordable. A portion of ticket sales goes directly to local charities, helping us support important causes while making winter fun accessible. Learn More.

Building Sustainability Connections

In September, we participated in the St. Albert Clean & Green River Fest, strengthening our knowledge of local ecosystems and sustainability. Through this event, we connected with regional partners focused on environmental conservation, including:

- Edmonton Native Plant Society
- Edmonton & Area Land Trust (Update on this connection: Our management team participated in a volunteer day with this organization in June 2026!)
- North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance
- Alberta Invasive Species Council
- Alberta Bats

 

 

Making choices that support our long-term success so future generations can enjoy Rabbit Hill for decades to come.

Smart Spending & Waste Reduction

Each season, rather than purchasing brand-new radios, we rent or trade equipment—reducing costs and minimizing unnecessary waste.

Supporting Local Businesses

We prioritize working with local companies and suppliers, ensuring our spending supports the regional economy while reducing transportation-related emissions.

Sustainable Purchasing Choices

Our commitment to sustainability extends to our procurement decisions. We have transitioned to recycled paper products throughout our administration offices, reducing our environmental impact.

The Hill Is Better When We All Pitch In 

Sustainability at Rabbit Hill isn’t just something that happens behind the scenes; it’s something you can be part of every time you visit. We’re busy sweating the big stuff - but the small stuff adds up! Here’s how you can help:

- Share a ride — carpool with friends;
- Bring a reusable hot beverage cup
- Use the water refill station 
- Sort your waste — use the bins provided for recycling and garbage 
- Spread the word — tell someone why this matters to you