Stronger Together: Supporting the Local Community
From beloved events like the Dog Derby and Dash for Cash to backing schools, charities and aspiring athletes, NZSki’s connection with the Queenstown community is wide-reaching and long-standing.
Over the past seven years, NZSki has contributed more than $228,000 to predator control and alpine ecology projects from predator trapping to native revegetation. In 2024 alone, NZSki donated $21,700 to the Kea Conservation Trust and $29,800 to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Trust, alongside other charitable contributions to Happiness House, which include supporting Christmas tree fundraisers and wilding pine removal initiatives.
Their support of local school ski programmes ensures tamariki across the region have access to the mountains, while sponsorship of young athletes continues to nurture local talent from grassroots to world-class. Events like junior freeride competitions and adaptive programmes highlight NZSki’s inclusive approach to mountain access and enjoyment.
Conservation on the Ground: From Planting to Predator Control
NZSki’s environmental focus extends beyond emissions. Their conservation work includes ongoing native revegetation, wetland protection, and pest control projects at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt. In 2025, NZSki expanded its efforts by partnering with Southern Lakes Sanctuary, a regional conservation network working to protect and restore native ecosystems.
Through this partnership, NZSki supports large-scale biodiversity work that includes trapping introduced predators, restoring native plant communities, and protecting endangered alpine species.
Cutting Emissions on the Mountain
Sustainability is no longer an optional extra, it’s at the core of NZSki’s operations. In 2023, NZSki reported a 50% reduction in net emissions compared to 2022, and by 2024, this rose to 55.5%, thanks to a range of emission reduction and efficiency strategies, including:
- Switching to 100% certified renewable electricity across all ski areas
- Saving over 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year through energy changes alone
- Offsetting around 400 tonnes CO₂ annually through native vegetation carbon credits in Otago
On the slopes, NZSki’s grooming team uses SNOWsat technology to map snow depth in real time, allowing for more targeted and efficient operations. While it may appear to be a simple technological upgrade, this system has become a key component of its sustainability strategy - resulting in fewer machine hours, reduced fuel consumption and improved snow distribution.
Hybrid vehicles and a travel optimisation programme have improved fleet efficiency, while a carpool incentive system reduces emissions by up to 11 tonnes of CO₂ in a single season at one ski area.
Toward Zero Waste: Rethinking What’s Left Behind
Behind the scenes, NZSki is making bold moves to tackle waste and rethink consumption:
- 42% less landfill waste in 2024 compared to 2023, thanks to implementing a sorting station system which allows customers to leave their fully loaded trays, including dirty dishes and containers, at designated stations where staff separate the trash, recycling and organic food scraps – and take crockery/cutlery to the dish pit.
- 11,000+ aluminium cans saved from landfill so far this season by installing tap beer systems, now at all mountains
- Targets for 75% food waste reduction and 95% reusable tableware by 2030
Eyes on the Future
Paul Anderson CEO of NZSki says, “The simple truth is that reducing our carbon footprint and becoming a more sustainable business is not someone else’s job. It’s our job.”
“When we talk about operating a sustainable business, we’re not just talking about our carbon footprint. That’s essential. But it’s more than that. If you care for your staff, your environment and your visitors, that will create financial outcomes that mean you can do that next year, and for many years to come. It’s about taking a balanced view of business. So, it’s important for us to embed carbon reduction and environmental enhancement into our business because for us to operate for decades to come we have to lead the way.”
“Working with our team on sustainability is so motivational. We have 1,400 staff at peak season, and they’re all passionate about the environment we operate in. From a leadership perspective, there is a massive expectation from our staff to do the right thing.”
A Regenerative Ride Worth Taking
From community programmes and carbon reduction to conservation partnerships and waste reform, NZSki’s regenerative journey is about much more than skiing. It’s about ensuring Queenstown’s alpine playground continues to thrive for future generations of visitors, locals, and native wildlife alike.
Information accurate at time of publication (2025).