Tahoe Fund partners with Heavenly, Northstar

The nonprofit Tahoe Fund partnership with Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, called the "Ski Conservation Fund", will raise an estimated $75,000 annually for the nonprofit Fund to support environmental improvement projects within the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Founded last year, the Tahoe Fund raises private money to supplement the dwindling public funding available for recreation, conservation and education projects in the Lake Tahoe basin. The Fund seeks to help fund bike trails, public parks, restoration projects, interpretive programs, and other amenities that people use and enjoy at the Lake.

"Heavenly and Northstar-at-Tahoe are two world-class recreation destinations as well as highly-respected businesses in the basin," said Cindy Gustafson, Chair of the Tahoe Fund Board of Directors. "The Tahoe Fund is proud to partner with Vail Resorts in this extraordinary program to raise money for on-the-ground projects that restore and enhance Tahoe’s natural and recreational resources for Lake Tahoe’s visitors and residents."

Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar-at-Tahoe, through their company’s stewardship program, Vail Resorts Echo, will launch the voluntary guest donation program that enables guests to contribute $1 on the purchase of a variety of resort activities and amenities including season pass sales, online ticket purchases, lodging and golf.

"We have a strong commitment to preserving and enhancing the iconic locations that surround our resorts," said Blaise Carrig, Co-President for Vail Resorts Mountain Division. "Through Vail Resorts Echo, our company’s stewardship program, we are building a legacy of supporting on-the-ground environmental restoration and enhancement work that makes a direct tangible difference in our communities. Partnering with organizations that share our mission, like The Tahoe Fund, exemplifies the spirit of VR Echo."

"The guest donation program has proven to be very successful at enabling Vail Resorts to both raise money and awareness for critical projects in the areas around our resorts," said Carrig. "Together with our guests, we are excited to be able to make a commitment that resonates throughout the entire Basin. Because we can’t wait to see the on-the-ground benefits, we plan on making the first round of Ski Conservation Fund grants in early 2012 so that we can start to make a meaningful difference for Lake Tahoe and all those who love and cherish it."