Sustainability year-round in Vail 🏔️

What does destination sustainability look like year-round? 🏔️

In this episode of Sustainable Today, Successful Tomorrow, Anne sits down with Beth Markham, Environmental Sustainability Manager for the Town of Vail.

They explore how one of the best-known ski destinations in the U.S. is tackling sustainability far beyond the slopes. ⛷️

From tourism pressure and housing challenges to resident engagement and visitor behaviour, Beth shares how Vail is building a long-term strategy that works for both community and environment. 🌿 

It’s a story of local leadership, practical solutions, and small shifts that add up.

If you're curious how destinations can lead with sustainability in every season, this episode is for you. 🎧

Chapters

• 0:00 Meet Beth Markham
• 1:41 Balancing tourism and sustainability in Vail
• 3:48 Vail as a Year-Round Destination
• 5:50 Shifting the destinations' seasons
• 11:31 Including the local community
• 15:48 Transportation and reducing carbon
• 19:36 Nature conservation projects in Vail
• 29:22 Managing year-round sustainability
• 31:44 Overtourism and carrying capacity
• 34:13 Effective sustainability communication
• 40:48 Tips for sustainable destinations