MTS Summit Award

MTS Summit Award

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Corporations—both big and small—have a responsibility to their customers, surrounding communities, and society at large to make a difference in the world we live in. The Summit Award at MTS celebrates the incredible work being done in the mountain travel industry by recognizing organizations, programs, projects, and individuals who go beyond rhetoric and truly make an impact.

The winners of the 2025 MTS Summit Award were Expedia Group and Taos Ski Valley, Inc, both of whom submitted truly outstanding entries. Check out the 2025 winners and submissions below. From cutting-edge technology to community-driven initiatives, we are proud to be a part of an industry that is constantly pushing the boundaries and striving for excellence.

Expedia Group

  • The Expedia Made to Travel™ Fund is an initiative aimed at overcoming the systemic barriers that limit travel opportunities for underserved and underrepresented communities. By providing grants to mission-driven organizations, the Fund supports individuals facing financial, social, and cultural challenges, making travel more inclusive. This initiative aligns with Expedia Group’s Global Social Impact efforts to create a more equitable global travel ecosystem, believing that travel can inspire and transform lives.

    Since its inception, the Fund has awarded over $2.5 million to organizations such as Global Glimpse, Untours Foundation, and Wheel the World, helping remove travel barriers for underserved groups. The initiative is part of Expedia’s broader Open World™ strategy to promote inclusivity in travel. It helps beneficiaries access career-enhancing travel experiences, fosters economic mobility, and stimulates local tourism in historically underrepresented markets.

    The Fund’s impact is clear: it has funded thousands of individuals' transformative travel experiences, supported policy advocacy for inclusive travel regulations, and established strong partnerships with organizations that focus on travel access and community development. In its third year, the program continues to expand its reach, helping more communities and diversifying its support. The Made to Travel™ Fund exemplifies the power of travel to break down barriers, foster connections, and create a more inclusive world. It is a catalyst for change, ensuring travel becomes accessible to all, no matter their background.

Taos Ski Valley, Inc

  • In 2024, Taos Ski Valley launched its Community Pledge, focusing on creating a sustainable future by uplifting local youth. The pledge emphasizes responsibility for the community's well-being, with a commitment to supporting the youth in fostering a collaborative, vibrant, and hopeful future. The goal is to inspire a love for the mountains, respect for the environment, and provide opportunities for career growth through education, training, and mentorship. This pledge is embodied through the Uplift Youth Fund, which allocates $100,000 annually to support youth-focused projects in Taos.

    The fund is designed to support local nonprofits and organizations through two funding cycles per year, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. It focuses on four key pillars: Outdoor Equity & Youth Programming, Environmental Stewardship, Economic & Workforce Development, and Community Connection. The fund is guided by a Community Advisory Circle to ensure decisions reflect local needs. In addition to this initiative, Taos Ski Valley has been actively giving back to the community through in-kind donations, event sponsorships, and paid volunteer hours. In 2024, Taos Ski Valley supported 74 organizations with over $68,000 in donations, and its staff contributed 1,400 volunteer hours, the highest ever. These efforts reflect the resort’s commitment to investing in the growth and success of local youth, ensuring a thriving community for future generations.

Check out the 2025 NOMINATIONS below

CAPE SMOKEY HOLDING LTD 

  • Cape Smokey’s nomination for industry recognition highlights its remarkable transformation into a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The purpose of this nomination is to showcase Cape Smokey’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community-driven growth, emphasizing its strategic initiatives, economic impact, and environmental stewardship.

    Overcoming challenges was central to Cape Smokey’s revitalization. Historically a winter destination, efforts to establish it as a year-round attraction involved significant infrastructure investments, marketing strategies, and operational changes. Competing with other ski resorts and navigating government regulations were also major obstacles, along with addressing local concerns about expansion.

    The local community, business partners, and tourists are the primary beneficiaries of Cape Smokey’s success. Increased tourism has boosted the local economy, creating jobs and supporting businesses in Ingonish and surrounding areas. Visitors benefit from enhanced facilities and diverse activities, while industry partners, like travel operators, have seen growth due to Cape Smokey's rising reputation.

    Key achievements include the installation of a gondola, expanding summer activities like hiking and ziplining, and increased economic growth through higher visitor numbers. Community engagement and sustainability initiatives have also been central to Cape Smokey’s development, ensuring responsible growth and environmental conservation.

    The transformation required substantial investment in time, money, and resources, including millions of dollars in infrastructure and promotional activities. Future plans for Cape Smokey include expanding attractions, improving accommodations, and utilizing technological innovations to enhance the visitor experience, solidifying its status as a year-round destination.

    In conclusion, Cape Smokey’s nomination represents the successful realization of a strategic vision, demonstrating its role as a model for sustainable tourism and regional development. This recognition will inspire continued growth, ensuring it remains a top-tier destination for years to come.

Cervino Green Development Srl

  • A few years ago, a group of visionary entrepreneurs founded Cervino Green Development, a collective of 14 hotels and chalets in Breuil-Cervinia, Aosta Valley, at the foot of the iconic Cervino (Matterhorn). The initiative was driven by a long-term commitment to sustainable development in the region. The mission of Cervino Green Development is to make the Matterhorn one of the "greenest symbolic mountains in the world." This includes focusing on reducing environmental impact, particularly through the rethinking of the region’s mobility and infrastructure.

    The organization promotes sustainable tourism by fostering collaboration among member properties, which regularly engage in multigenerational brainstorming sessions to define strategies for the area’s development. Notable initiatives include the New Matterhorn Alpine Crossing cable car, launched in 2023, which connects Breuil-Cervinia to Zermatt, reducing pollution and traffic between the two destinations.

    Additionally, the initiative prioritizes eco-friendly practices such as connecting member hotels to district heating, utilizing hydroelectric power, and improving waste management while minimizing plastic usage. Future plans include transitioning to a carbon-free mobility model, similar to Zermatt’s, to transform Cervinia into a car-free, pedestrian-friendly destination. This collective effort aims to enhance Breuil-Cervinia's sustainable identity, preserve its natural beauty, and ensure long-term ecological and economic vitality.

Club med

  • Club Med opened its first all-season resort in Canada, Club Med Québec Charlevoix, in late 2021, marking a return to North America’s ski resort market. Located in the Le Massif de Charlevoix region, this resort offers over 300 rooms with modern Canadian design, a 5-star luxury space, and stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding mountains. It provides a range of activities such as skiing, hiking, horseback riding, and locally inspired dining. The resort’s all-inclusive concept covers ski-in/ski-out access, lift passes, group lessons, and après-ski experiences. It also offers specialized children’s clubs for various age groups and a wellness area featuring a heated pool, jacuzzi, and spa treatments.

    In 2024, Club Med introduced the Elevation Festival, a summer event celebrating culture, circus, wellness, and more, attracting over 36% more guests than the previous year. The festival featured local artisans, First Nations storytelling, stargazing, and unique excursions like whale watching and horseback riding. This initiative not only strengthened ties with the local community but also boosted tourism and the local economy.

    Le Massif de Charlevoix is recognized for its exceptional snowfall and eco-conscious practices. Club Med Québec is committed to sustainability, focusing on reducing food waste, using locally sourced products, and minimizing its environmental footprint. The resort has also created 350 direct jobs and 450 indirect jobs, contributing to the local economy. The resort has become popular among international travelers, with more than 30% of visitors coming from North and South America and Europe.

    Constructed at a cost of $130M CAD, Club Med Québec continues to enhance its sustainability efforts while offering a unique all-inclusive experience in a stunning, eco-friendly setting.

LAAX

  • LAAX, Switzerland, is where freestyle is celebrated, where unique nature meets an unmistakable lifestyle. With 224 kilometers of slopes, 29 modern lifts, vast freeriding routes, and five terrain parks, LAAX offers countless opportunities to experience action on the mountain in the midst of the Swiss Alps. World-renowned for its first-class terrain parks and the world's biggest halfpipe, special focus is also placed on sustainability. With over 200 measures already implemented as part of the resort's Greenstyle initiative, LAAX is the leading ski resort in tackling the global challenges of climate change and promoting biodiversity in a hands-on and pragmatic way.

    We are freestylers at heart, and therefore, we want to protect our playground. Greenstyle is our response to the global challenges of climate change and the promotion of biodiversity. The initiative was launched in 2010, and since then, over 200 measures have been implemented in the ski resort to protect our climate and environment. For the 10-year anniversary of Greenstyle, we published a book titled How to Run a Sustainable Alpine Destination, which compiles all the projects and lessons learned.

Purgatory Resort

  • Purgatory Resort is challenging the exclusivity of skiing by making it more accessible, enjoyable, and affordable. The resort’s initiatives, Kids 12 & Under Ski Free and Freedom to Ski, aim to break financial barriers and encourage greater participation in skiing and snowboarding.

    The Kids 12 & Under Ski Free program allows children to ski for free without any additional purchases or restrictions, unlike similar offers at other resorts. This initiative has had a significant impact, attracting families who might not have otherwise considered a ski vacation. By offering free access, Purgatory fosters a new generation of young skiers and snowboarders, promoting long-term industry sustainability.

    Additionally, Freedom to Ski introduces a dynamic, demand-based pricing model, providing guests with the flexibility to plan their visits based on their budget and preferred schedule. This pricing strategy helps reduce overcrowding on peak days and ensures that affordability is accessible to all skiers, not just those who can afford full-price tickets.

    These programs highlight Purgatory's philosophy of inclusivity and accessibility. The resort aims to make skiing a sport for everyone, regardless of background or income. By removing barriers to entry and offering flexible pricing, Purgatory is not only enhancing the guest experience but also setting a precedent for the ski industry. The hope is that other resorts will adopt similar models, creating a more sustainable and inclusive skiing environment where more people can enjoy the mountains. Purgatory’s approach is reshaping the future of skiing by prioritizing affordability and accessibility without sacrificing the essence of the sport.

Ski Solution

  • Ski Solutions, celebrating 40 years in business in 2025, is Britain's original tailor-made ski tour operator and the largest specialist ski travel agency. It arranges ski holidays across Europe and North America and is part of the Active Travel Group, a leading provider of bespoke human-powered holidays worldwide. Ski Solutions is committed to sustainability, with goals like reducing its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and fostering community impact through charity partnerships.

    One notable initiative is its partnership with the Snow Sports Foundation (SSF), a charity providing snow sports opportunities for individuals facing physical, mental, and social challenges. Ski Solutions has raised over £10,000 for SSF, starting with a team cycling challenge from London to Val d'Isère, and aims to raise £100,000 by 2030.

    In line with its sustainability efforts, Ski Solutions encourages eco-friendly travel options, such as train and self-drive holidays, and offers low-carbon ski holiday packages. These include resorts and hotels using renewable energy and implementing sustainable practices. Additionally, the company carbon-scores its holidays in collaboration with Ecollective to track and reduce carbon footprints.

    Internally, Ski Solutions has taken steps to reduce its environmental impact by auditing its headquarters and promoting renewable energy use and low-carbon commuting. Staff are also encouraged to engage in volunteer work, with initiatives like tree planting, beach cleaning, and supporting local charities. These efforts reflect the company’s broader commitment to sustainable and responsible travel, as well as community support, as they work towards a future of greener travel and positive social impact.

vail resorts

  • In the 2023/24 winter season, Vail Resorts launched The Gondola Gallery by Epic, an outdoor art installation and film series that celebrates the diverse backgrounds of skiers and snowboarders. Aligned with the company’s Epic for Everyone initiative, which promotes inclusivity in outdoor sports, the project aims to foster meaningful conversations about diversity in snowsports. The gallery features artwork by artists from various backgrounds, displayed on gondola cabins across three resorts: Park City, Stowe, and Whistler Blackcomb.

    The installation includes works by Lamont Joseph White, Jim Harris, Chief Janice George, Buddy Joseph, and Levi Nelson. White’s piece, UPLIFTED, at Park City reflects joy and community, with vibrant, deconstructed designs promoting representation. Harris’s CREATING YOUR LINE at Stowe invites people of all abilities to create their own paths on the mountain, while celebrating his recovery from a life-changing accident. At Whistler Blackcomb, WINGS OF THUNDER by Chief Janice George and Buddy Joseph honors the Squamish Nation's cultural heritage through traditional Coast Salish weaving. Levi Nelson’s RED, also at Whistler, uses Indigenous motifs to connect to ancestral traditions, with the color red symbolizing life and connection to the Earth.

    A film series showcasing the artists’ personal journeys and creative processes complements the art, available on epicpass.com/gondolagallery. The project highlights the diversity of the mountain experience and encourages inclusivity, inviting all skiers and snowboarders to see the slopes through the eyes of those from different cultures and backgrounds.

Trentino Marketing

  • Trentino is integrating green technology, renewable energy, and eco-friendly mobility into daily life, setting a strong example of sustainable development. The region focuses on green districts, climate-friendly housing, and sustainable innovation to reduce environmental impact. In April 2024, Trentino launched its first certified sustainable tourism district, receiving recognition from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Over 14 months, local tourism boards improved sustainability practices, and four of twelve tourism boards are now certified, with a goal to certify the entire region by 2026. This initiative aligns with Trentino Marketing’s vision to foster a sustainable year-round destination, prioritizing the wellbeing economy, community engagement, and minimizing environmental impacts.

    The region’s ski resorts are leading sustainability efforts, with operations powered by renewable energy. Ski areas such as Funivie Pinzolo and Pejo 3000 utilize hydroelectric power, and several resorts are eliminating plastic products. Trentino also prioritizes accessibility, with projects like "Trentino per tutti" ensuring that people with disabilities can enjoy winter sports and activities year-round. Special services are available, including adaptive skiing equipment and inclusive outdoor activities.

    Trentino promotes green mobility through expanding electric vehicle charging stations and integrating bike-sharing into public transport. Over 100 hotels offer EV charging, and the Trentino Guest Card provides free access to charging and public transport.

    The region also excels in sustainable forestry, with over 270,000 hectares of PEFC-certified forests and a strong timber industry. Trentino uses biomass heating to power district plants, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, it supports sustainable filmmaking with the T-Green Film initiative, Europe’s first regional fund rewarding environmentally friendly productions. Through these efforts, Trentino demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability and a greener future.

North Tahoe Community Alliance

  • The North Tahoe Community Alliance (NTCA) reinvests tourism-generated funds into local initiatives that support community priorities, enhancing vitality, economic health, and environmental stewardship. Through its TOT-TBID Dollars At Work program, NTCA allocates funds to projects addressing workforce housing, economic development, transportation, environmental stewardship, and more. Since 2022, the program has contributed $33.5M to initiatives that reduce visitor impacts, improve local infrastructure, and benefit residents, businesses, and tourists.

    Key investments include reducing personal vehicle usage to ease traffic, such as supporting TART Connect microtransit, which has provided nearly 1.4 million rides since 2021, and the Workforce Vanpool program, which eliminated 21,629 vehicle trips, saving over 600,000 pounds of CO2 emissions. The NTCA also focuses on outdoor recreation and tourism management, with programs like the BEBOT Beach Cleaning Robot, which cleans Lake Tahoe’s beaches, and the Blue Beaches Pilot, which reduced litter by 97% in South Lake Tahoe.

    Additionally, NTCA emphasizes stewardship education through partnerships with organizations like UC Davis and the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition. Programs like "Make a Clear Difference" raise awareness on sustainable behaviors, while the Ambassador Program engages visitors on conservation efforts.

    In addressing workforce housing, NTCA supports programs like "Lease to Locals," which has housed 223 people since 2022, and the Workforce Housing Preservation Program, which has provided $1.36M in grants for home purchases. The NTCA also supports the Tahoe Housing Hub’s Accessory Dwelling Unit program to increase local housing options.

    Formed in 2021, the TBID allows tourism revenue to fund community-focused projects, shifting the focus from marketing to solutions that preserve the environment and support local needs.