An Analysis of Kirkwood's Report Card from the SACC

The recent report released by the Ski Area Citizens Coalition (SACC) is neither objective nor independent. The scorecard is not independently audited or verified by a third party, and lacks accountability as a result. The scorecard is generated to perpetuate an anti-resort agenda, not to inform or educate the public. The annual rankings are widely criticized and often dismissed by the rest of the ski industry. "We view them as a flawed ranking from a biased source," said Geraldine Link, director of public policy for the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA). "Environmental groups that are part of the coalition fight ski areas over development issues and have sometimes sued them. That taints their ability to make an objective analysis." Not only is the SACC's grading system inherently biased against Kirkwood's growth, it failed to accurately reflect many of Kirkwood's current environmental initiatives and based some scoring on inaccurate information.
 
 
A quick overview of SACC's Report Card Scoring System demonstrates the inherent bias towards resorts with approved planning or responsible growth regardless of environmental initiatives:
Total # of points available based on growth issues:
MAX PTS 145
Total # of points available based on environmental initiatives:
MAX PTS 80

Here's a link to a recent editorial on the subject: Durango Herald SACC editorial

In addressing these concerns, the resort prepared an Audit of Kirkwood's SACC scoring to clarify much of the criteria in this year's SACC report. Upon closer examination, Kirkwood's environmental initiatives and business practices for last year should have resulted in better overall scores and subsequently a higher letter grade. Please take the time to review Kirkwood's response to this year's SACC report and draw your own conclusions based on a larger scope of information. Kirkwood trusts you will feel better about our efforts as stewards for the environment once you take all our efforts into account. As always, we welcome discussion on this subject and can be reached by telephone at 209.258.6000 or by email at info@kirkwood.com