Working Together for Meaningful Change: Basecamp Resorts Partners with Protect Our Winters (POW) Canada

At Basecamp Resorts, the outdoors is where we thrive – and we’re committed to protecting it. That’s why we’ve partnered with Protect Our Winters Canada (POW) - a nonprofit organization founded by professional snowboarder and environmental activist Jeremy Jones that is made up of outdoor enthusiasts, professional athletes and outdoor-oriented brands advocating for policy solutions to climate change. 

Here in Canada, POW leads a dynamic network of 13 regional chapters – including hubs in Revelstoke and the Bow Valley – that equip and empower communities with the tools and training they need to tackle environmental challenges head-on. 

Basecamp is proud to support POW’s advocacy efforts and engagement campaigns, including their recent $now Me the Money initiative which aims to raise awareness for the Canadian Snowsports industry which is valued at  $9.136 billion and adds an estimated 90,000 jobs to the labour market. The campaign encourages the public to join the movement by signing a petition and aims to push policy makers to invest in transformational net-zero innovation and technology, create a clear and open runway for renewable energy, and to protect 30% of Canadian land and water by 2030.

As a brand built on an intrinsic appreciation for outdoor adventures in Western Canadian mountain towns, we will also be donating a portion of hotel revenue, up to $25,000 (CAD) per year to POW Canada, for a minimum of three years. Last, but not least, we are also committing to making our operations more sustainable, focusing on energy, water and waste reduction initiatives with the guidance of POW’s Sustainable Resorts Playbook.

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Why This Partnership Matters 

Our partnership holds us accountable – not only financially, but also from day-to-day operations to long-term initiatives. We’re pushing ourselves to align with the outdoor values we live by. Rising temperature, unpredictable snowfall, and changing ecosystems are already affecting the tourism and outdoor sector along with the communities and livelihoods that depend on them. 

By partnering with POW, we’re not just talking about change – we’re taking action towards meaningful solutions. This partnership focuses on two pillars:

1. Operational Sustainability 
2. Policy Advocacy 

While energy-efficient lighting and recycling programs are important, true impact requires systemic change at every level – municipal, provincial, and federal. 

How We’re Walking the Walk

Partnering with POW Canada is a milestone in Basecamp’s sustainability journey. The hospitality industry has its challenges – hotels can consume as much as 25% more energy per room than other commercial buildings and waste levels are often higher due to single-use items and frequent laundering. With the guidance of POW’s Sustainable Resorts Playbook, we’re addressing these challenges head on.

Our initial efforts will focus on:

• Sustainable Sourcing & Waste Reduction

Prioritizing local, sustainable products and ingredients while cutting down on single-use products and packaging.

• Water Conservation

We’re exploring a “Green Stay” program, letting guests opt out of daily housekeeping, in an effort to conserve water and wasteful laundering.

• Active Transportation 

We’re supporting active transportation projects in British Columbia, particularly in Revelstoke, and exploring ways to contribute in Alberta, encouraging guests and team members to choose eco-friendly transportation options such as car-pooling and public/shuttle transit.

How We’re Amplifying POW’s Mission

Beyond our operations, we’re using our platform to help raise awareness and inspire our guests, team members and followers to take action. Together with POW, we’re empowering our community to become advocates for climate change. 

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POW Canada’s Current Impact Zones

1. Climate Finance
   Redirect financial resources to solutions that combat change. Policy details include eliminating greenwashing, building better banks, and making polluters pay.
   
   
2. Nature-Based Climate Solutions

Aims to protect and restore ecosystems by reducing emissions and strengthening biodiversity. Policy details include protecting 30% of land and water bodies by 2023, prioritizing natural adaptation to climate, and giving rights to nature and Indigenous People. 

3. Renewable Energy

Shifting grants and policies to support the transition to 100% clean, renewable, and affordable energy to reduce and eventually eliminate our dependency on fossil fuels. Policy details include investing in local renewable energy, opposing new infrastructures and fossil fuels development, and capping emissions.

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POW Canada’s Current Campaigns

1. Outdoor Recreation Economic Report. 

First-of-its-kind economic report measuring the size of the outdoor recreation economy in Canada. It is a powerhouse and a major part of Canada’s economy representing 1M Canadian Jobs and $101.6 Billion in economic contributions annually.

Read the report here

2. $now Me the Money 

Emphasizing the $9.1 billion annual contribution of snow to Canada’s economy, this campaign advocates for policies that prioritize renewable energy investments and industrial carbon pricing to protect our winters. 

Send your letter

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Past campaigns

#TheAnswerIsRenewablesCalling for a shift to renewable energy in Alberta, join POW in calling for an end to roadblocks against renewable energy deployment. 

• #KeepItDeep
  Support a cap on Canada’s growing oil and gas emissions by urging policy makers for sustainable emissions policies via POW’s email tool.
  
  

F**k It, I’ll Take the Bus
Promotes sustainable transit to outdoor destinations. Take action by signing POW’s petition for green transit and taking the bus.

How You Can Get Involved

Protecting the places we love takes a communal effort – so we’re inviting our guests, partners, and communities to join the fight:

• Advocate for Change: Use your voice to support strong climate policies. Sign petitions, contact representatives, and spread the word. 
• Choose Sustainability: Make eco-friendly choices in travel, support businesses prioritizing the environment, and make efforts to reduce your carbon footprint.  
• Sign Up for POW Canada: Become a member, donate, join your local chapter, and participate in initiatives that fuel climate-focused action
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Our partnership with Protect Our Winters Canada represents a commitment to the environment and a collective effort to safeguard the places we love to explore. But we can’t do it alone. Your voice, your choices, and your support can make a meaningful impact. The time to act is now – join us in protecting our planet for generations to come.

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