We know a good thing when we see one, and in Aspen the environment rules. Every day we are awed by Aspen’s natural beauty, and as a community we strive to balance its preservation with the impact humans have on its air, land and rivers. That’s why a big part of what we do as a destination is to promote responsible and sustainable travel which relies on the education of our visitors. We want our guests to experience everything amazing Aspen has to offer and also be a part of its long, enduring legacy as an environmentally conscious leader.
Let’s start with getting here. If your group is not approaching Aspen by foot, bike or skis, chances are you’re coming by car or airplane. To balance the impacts of carbon-powered travel to Aspen, ACRA will offset air and ground transportation for your group when you source a qualifying program through ACRA via The Good Traveler, a carbon offsetting program that works to keep greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere by funding people and nonprofits all over the country – and right here in Aspen – that temper climate harm.
Once on the ground in Aspen, groups are encouraged to choose a hotel or property that exhibits a clear commitment to Aspen’s environmental goals. Just this past year, for example, the Aspen Meadows, located on the Aspen Institute Campus, partnered with Entera to develop a fleet of zero emission shuttles for transporting guests to downtown Aspen and back to its West End location.
When heading out into our beautiful mountains we encourage every guest to familiarize and exemplify the seven principles of Leave No Trace: Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find, Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife and Be Considerate of Others.
We always encourage groups to visit what is one of the Aspen area’s most pristine ecosystems, Independence Pass. With hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing and stargazing, “The Pass” is a beloved recreation area. Before visiting, we highly encourage groups to take part in Pledge for the Wild, a way to honor and support the world’s most special wild places and spaces. Your tax-deductible contribution can directly benefit Aspen’s very own Independence Pass Foundation, whose mission is to restore and protect the ecological, historical and aesthetic integrity of the Independence Pass Corridor and to encourage stewardship, safety and appreciation of The Pass.
Finally, before embarking on your group’s event in Aspen, we invite all travelers to sign The Aspen Pledge – a literal pledge (like the Scouts!) to explore responsibly, leave wildlife alone, to honor Aspen’s history and heritage, be kind to community members and above all, protect the place we love. ACRA will donate $18.80 for each pledge signed, which honors the year Aspen was incorporated, 1880. Those signing the pledge can choose between the Independence Pass Foundation and Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers as the beneficiary organization.
Discover how you can make your group's next trip to Aspen more sustainable. Reach out to us at [email protected] for more information on how we can collaborate and create a greener experience. Let's make a positive impact together.
