Zion Lodge and Stovepipe Wells Gain Leave No Trace Gold Standard Sites Status

April 30, 2026

Two POWDR locations were awarded the highest honor for hospitality providers

BOULDER, CO /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Two POWDR locations, Zion Lodge and Stovepipe Wells, have been awarded the Leave No Trace Gold Standard Hospitality designation, the highest level of recognition from Leave No Trace. The designation recognizes both locations’ leadership in implementing Leave No Trace principles and promoting responsible enjoyment of the outdoors. It demonstrates an exceptional commitment to protecting natural resources and the long-term sustainability of public lands.

“Leave No Trace is thrilled to recognize Stovepipe Wells and Zion Lodge as Gold Standard Hospitality sites,” said Dana Watts, Executive Director of Leave No Trace. “These locations play a critical role in educating visitors and modeling responsible outdoor practices in two of the country’s most iconic sites, Death Valley and Zion National Parks. Their dedication to protecting natural spaces makes them a leader in the Leave No Trace movement and a powerful example of how education can positively shape visitor behavior.”

The Gold Standard designation honors organizations that serve as exemplary models of Leave No Trace implementation, demonstrating leadership in staff training, visitor education, and operational stewardship. Key initiatives contributing to Stovepipe Wells and Zion Lodge’s designation include:

• Certifying staff as Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructors
• Building a robust Leave No Trace visitor education initiative, including pre-arrival communications and in-room and on-site signage
• Implementing Leave No Trace into standard operating procedures
• Prioritizing sustainability throughout operations

“Earning the Gold Standard Hospitality designation at both Zion Lodge and Stovepipe Wells is a proud milestone for POWDR and a testament to our Play Forever commitment,” said Raj Basi, VP of Sustainability at POWDR. “By integrating Leave No Trace principles into every facet of our operations from staff training to guest communications we aren’t just managing iconic destinations, we are empowering our guests and team members to become lifelong stewards of the environments they love. We believe that through education and mindful operations, we can ensure these spectacular landscapes in Zion and Death Valley remain vibrant for generations to come.”

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About Leave No Trace: Using science-based education, training for all, and community-driven stewardship, Leave No Trace works to protect the outdoors through prevention, helping people reduce their impact before damage occurs. The Leave No Trace Gold Standard designation recognizes sites and organizations implementing the highest standard of Leave No Trace education. For more information, visit: www.LNT.org.

About POWDR: POWDR is an adventure lifestyle company that inspires every human being with cool experiences in awesome places. POWDR’s awesome places include Copper Mountain and Eldora Mountain Resort in Colorado; Boreal Mountain Resort and Soda Springs in the Lake Tahoe region of California; Mt. Bachelor in Oregon; and Snowbird in Utah. The company also fuels adventure through a collection of experiences from the mountains to the valleys including Sun Country Tours river rafting outfitter based in Oregon, Powderbird heli-adventure operator based out of Snowbird in Utah, Zion Mountain Ranch to the East of Zion National Park, Stovepipe lodging and concessions based in Death Valley National Park, and Zion Lodge in Zion National Park. POWDR’s Woodward brand empowers and inspires the next generation of action sports enthusiasts through summer camps, mountain experiences, and mountain centers, incorporating dynamic programming and innovative environments at Woodward Park City in Utah, Woodward PA in Pennsylvania, Woodward Copper in Colorado, and Woodward Tahoe in California. POWDR is headquartered in Park City, UT. For more information, please visit: www.POWDR.com.