STOKE Certified & Mountain Rider's Alliance Announce New Partnership! Collaboration advances the development of the most comprehensive sustainability framework for ski areas around the world.

STOKE CERTIFIED ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH MOUNTAIN RIDER’S ALLIANCE Collaboration advances the development of the most comprehensive sustainability framework for ski areas around the world.

SAN DIEGO, CA—STOKE Certified has partnered with the Mountain Rider’s Alliance (MRA) to share best practices in sustainable ski area management for the STOKE Snow Certification Program, which will serve as the sustainability framework for the MRA Mountain Playground Program. The combined effort’s goal is to advance environmental stewardship and sustainability at community-focused ski areas, while empowering the riding community to choose ski areas that have a vested interest in enhancing the riding culture for generations to come. The Sustainable Tourism Operator’s Kit for Evaluation (STOKE) is launching its STOKE Snow Pilot Certification Program this 2014/2015 winter season. Ski areas who join the STOKE Snow Pilot Program gain free membership and access to all of STOKE and MRA’s sustainable management resources, along with heavily discounted sustainability services. STOKE and MRA will refine their processes and standards, developed over the last 4 years through research and testing, before launching their full programs next winter (2015/2016). MRA is dedicated to creating and supporting a sustainable “Mountain Playground” model, which focuses on environmental stewardship, community involvement, and rider concerns—“values that STOKE aligns itself with,” said STOKE co-founder, Carl Kish. “This partnership represents both MRA & STOKE’s commitment to sustainability and passion for the mountains and riding community.” “The ski industry has the most to lose from climate change,” said MRA co-founder, Jamie Schectman. “Our sport should be at the forefront of environmental sustainability and leading by example. The partnership with STOKE will help ensure we move the needle.” Ski tourism operators interested in these programs can find more info here: http://stokecertified.com/certification/snow/operators/

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About Mountain Rider’s Alliance Mountain Rider’s Alliance (http://mountainridersalliance.com/) is a group of like-minded people dedicated to making a positive change in the ski area industry. The mission of MRA is to create a geographically diversified portfolio of like-minded Mountain Playgrounds that will drive down expenses, increasing efficiencies and revenues at each ski area. MRA manages the Mt Abram Ski Area in western Maine. Winner of the 2012 Golden Eagle Award, the ski area is currently installing a 803 panel solar array that will offset approximately 70% of its annual energy consumption. MRA recently entered into an agreement to provide Sales and Marketing services to the Mt. Ashland ski area in Oregon. All media inquiries, please contact Jamie Schectman of Mountain Rider’s Alliance at shecky@mountainridersalliance.com About STOKE Certified Founded by Carl Kish and Dr. Jess Ponting, STOKE Certified is the world’s first sustainability certification program specific to surf and ski tourism. In addition to verifying the legitimacy of sustainability claims by operators and providing transparency for the public through its certification program, STOKE offers additional services for operators to enhance their sustainability management system including consulting, marketing, and project management services. Surfers, skiers, and snowboarders can learn more about sustainability in the riding culture by gaining access to its educational materials provided in tandem with its partners: Center for Surf Research for STOKE Surf; and Mountain Rider’s Alliance for STOKE Snow. For more information, go to http://stokecertified.com/