SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABILITY
ACTIVELY FIGHTING GLOBAL WARMING.
And increasing our corporate sustainability.
We love heli-skiing. We love it so much that we have spent the last three decades developing and improving the best heli-ski operation located in the finest heli-ski spot in the world. Unfortunately, by doing our job, we are contributing to the harming of the environment we need to keep our passion alive. We use helicopters to reach the top of the mountains, but helicopters are not environmentally friendly and end up damaging the very landscape we love so much. As skiers and riders, we feel connected to our massifs, glaciers, and oceans.
Our goal is now to seize every opportunity available to transform VHSG into a carbon neutral company, with the hope that other heli-ski operators will follow suit, transitioning our field of work to a greener industry overall. And because there is no time to waste, we have already taken major actions. Indeed, during the first ten years of the new Tsaina Lodge, we have consistently reduced our CO2 emissions by improving and re-engineering our premises. Unfortunately, helicopters’ emissions remain unavoidable. This is why we had contracted with ClimatePartner to offset our remaining emissions.
ClimatePartner had calculated our CCF – Corporate Carbon Footprint. This includes emissions from sources such as heating, electricity, and the combustion of fuel in our helicopters, gas in our cars, employee commuting, business travel, and upstream emissions from electricity and heat. A 10% safety margin had been added on top of our CCF to account for any inevitable uncertainties. While we were working to reduce our emissions, we were opting to offset our current emissions by supporting a verified carbon offset project in Northeastern Brazil. This project can be tracked and checked by everyone at this address https://fpm.climatepartner.com/tracking/20275-2208-1001/en.
Transparency and pertinence are fundamental. This is why we were supporting a carbon offset project that also promotes sustainable development in the Southern hemisphere, so that economic progress is not dictated by investment in and use of fossil fuels.
While we are not investing in carbon offsets this season (November 2024–October 2025), sustainability remains at the heart of our operations. This year, we took another meaningful step by acquiring and restoring the Alaska Rendezvous lodge using sustainable materials, advanced thermal insulation, and energy-efficient heating systems. By housing guests there, alongside the Tsaina Lodge, we have eliminated the need for long daily commutes from Valdez, significantly reducing our carbon footprint while enhancing the guest experience. Our intention is to continue our carbon neutral footprint into the future, with carbon offset investment being one of our strategies.
ECO-PERFORMANCE MILESTONES
Reclamation of Tsaina Property
For 40 years before it was the birthplace of Alaskan heli-skiing, the Tsaina was a roadhouse and truck stop. Environmental issues from these years of use were corrected.
New Tsaina Lodge
A modern eco-tour lodge using sustainable materials was built.
Hydro-Electric Energy
Initial environmental impact study for development of hydro-electric generation in Cascade Creek Canyon, adjacent to the Tsaina Lodge.
Electric Generation Re-engineering
A re-design of our electric generation plant resulted in an estimated annual CO2 emission reduction of 1605.05 tons.
Electric Grid Partnership
Copper Valley Electric Cooperative, Tsaina Lodge and Alyeska jointly funded the installation of commercial electric service for the Tsaina Lodge, several pipeline stations, and our neighboring community at Mile 45 of the Richardson Highway. This project resulted in an estimated annual CO2 emission reduction of 628.3 tons for the Tsaina Lodge alone.
ClimatePartner
The Tsaina Lodge and Valdez Heli-Ski Guides heli-ski operations were termed “climate neutral”, as their carbon emission have been calculated and offset by supporting a recognized carbon offset project – wind energy in Northeast Brazil. A total of 744.2 tons of CO2 per year.
Protect Our Winters
The Tsaina Lodge and VHSG have joined Protect Our Winters (POW) as a Brand Partner – POW helps passionate outdoor people protect the places we live and lifestyles we love from climate change. We are a community of athletes, scientists, creatives, and business leaders advancing non-partisan policies that protect our world today and for future generations. For more information, please visit www.protectourwinters.org.
ClimatePartner
The Tsaina Lodge and VHSG have become 100% carbon neutral and have offset 890.56 tonnes of CO2 for the 2024 season, supporting the expansion of renewable energy projects in Asia.
Reclamation of Rendezvous Lodge
The Alaska Rendezvous Lodge was renovated with sustainable materials, advanced insulation, and energy-efficient systems. Its location near the Tsaina Lodge eliminates long daily shuttles, reducing emissions.
ACTIVELY FIGHTING GLOBAL WARMING.
And increasing our corporate sustainability.
We love heli-skiing. We love it so much that we have spent the last three decades developing and improving the best heli-ski operation located in the finest heli-ski spot in the world. Unfortunately, by doing our job, we are contributing to the harming of the environment we need to keep our passion alive. We use helicopters to reach the top of the mountains, but helicopters are not environmentally friendly and end up damaging the very landscape we love so much. As skiers and riders, we feel connected to our massifs, glaciers, and oceans.
Our goal is now to seize every opportunity available to transform VHSG into a carbon neutral company, with the hope that other heli-ski operators will follow suit, transitioning our field of work to a greener industry overall. And because there is no time to waste, we have already taken major actions. Indeed, during the first ten years of the new Tsaina Lodge, we have consistently reduced our CO2 emissions by improving and re-engineering our premises. Unfortunately, helicopters’ emissions remain unavoidable. This is why we have contracted with ClimatePartner to offset our remaining emissions.
ClimatePartner has calculated our CCF – Corporate Carbon Footprint. This includes emissions from sources such as heating, electricity, and the combustion of fuel in our helicopters, gas in our cars, employee commuting, business travel, and upstream emissions from electricity and heat. A 10% safety margin has been added on top of our CCF to account for any inevitable uncertainties. While we are working to reduce our emissions, we are opting to offset our current emissions by supporting a verified carbon offset project in Northeastern Brazil. This project can be tracked and checked by everyone at this address https://fpm.climatepartner.com/tracking/20275-2208-1001/en.
Transparency and pertinence are fundamental. This is why we are supporting a carbon offset project that also promotes sustainable development in the Southern hemisphere, so that economic progress is not dictated by investment in and use of fossil fuels.
From 2022, VHSG and the company of Tsaina Lodge are carbon neutral. We will continue to reduce our carbon footprint, asking our partners and sponsors to follow our lead. It is our duty to act now and preserve our playgrounds before it is too late. That is why we invite everyone to strive with us for the planet.
ECO-PERFORMANCE MILESTONES
Reclamation of Tsaina Property
For 40 years before it was the birthplace of Alaskan heli-skiing, the Tsaina was a roadhouse and truck stop. Environmental issues from these years of use were corrected.
New Tsaina Lodge
A modern eco-tour lodge using sustainable materials was built.
Hydro-Electric Energy
Initial environmental impact study for development of hydro-electric generation in Cascade Creek Canyon, adjacent to the Tsaina Lodge.
Electric Generation Re-engineering
A re-design of our electric generation plant resulted in an estimated annual CO2 emission reduction of 1605.05 tons.
Electric Grid Partnership
Copper Valley Electric Cooperative, Tsaina Lodge and Alyeska jointly funded the installation of commercial electric service for the Tsaina Lodge, several pipeline stations, and our neighboring community at Mile 45 of the Richardson Highway. This project resulted in an estimated annual CO2 emission reduction of 628.3 tons for the Tsaina Lodge alone.
ClimatePartner
The Tsaina Lodge and Valdez Heli-Ski Guides heli-ski operations were termed “climate neutral”, as their carbon emission have been calculated and offset by supporting a recognized carbon offset project – wind energy in Northeast Brazil. A total of 744.2 tons of CO2 per year.
Protect Our Winters
The Tsaina Lodge and VHSG have joined Protect Our Winters (POW) as a Brand Partner – POW helps passionate outdoor people protect the places we live and lifestyles we love from climate change. We are a community of athletes, scientists, creatives, and business leaders advancing non-partisan policies that protect our world today and for future generations. For more information please visit www.protectourwinters.org
ClimatePartner
The Tsaina Lodge and VHSG have become 100% carbon neutral and have offset 890.56 tonnes of CO2 for the 2024 season, supporting the expansion of renewable energy projects in Asia.
Reclamation of Rendezvous Lodge
The Alaska Rendezvous Lodge was renovated with sustainable materials, advanced insulation, and energy-efficient systems. Its location near the Tsaina Lodge eliminates long daily shuttles, reducing emissions.