The Sustainable Slopes program is a voluntary approach to managing ski areas and resorts in an environmentally sustainable way. The program outlines Principles that encourage ski areas to adopt the “avoid, minimize, mitigate” approach to natural resource management. Avoidance should be the first consideration when outstanding natural resources or settings are at stake. The Principles were developed through a collaborative process and are aimed at improving environmental performance at existing ski areas and to serve as helpful guidance for planning new developments. Offered by the National Ski Areas Association, the principles cover planning and design, operations, water use, energy conservation, waste, wildlife and vegetation, riparian and wetlands, air and visual quality, transportation and education.