The Pad, a boutique hotel and hostel in Silverthorne, has earned certified B Corporation status, making it the first in Summit County’s hospitality sector to do so. Founded by Lynne and Rob Baer, The Pad opened in 2021 and is on a mission to redefine the concept of hospitality by integrating sustainability and social responsibility into every aspect of its operations, including the hosting of groups.
“Through my travels, it became so obvious to me that people need to be exposed to other cultures, ways of life, etc. in order to understand and appreciate differences as opposed to having fears and prejudice,” says Lynne. “To be able to create a place like The Pad that brings people together while also showcasing how a business can create a positive impact for people and the planet through thoughtful consideration is such a daily motivator to keep pushing forward.”
In order to earn certified B corporation status, The Pad had to undergo a rigorous assessment and certification process that examines a business’s social and environmental impact, as well as its commitment to responsible business practices. The average score a business receives is 51 points, meaning many companies don’t receive the required 80 points their first time submitting. The Pad earned an assessment score of 116.
Situated on the Blue River, The Pad has a variety of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space available for groups, including a conference room and a third-floor venue with an attached rooftop patio and bar. The property is located within a 30-minute drive to six ski resorts: Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone, Loveland, and Vail.
“At The Pad, we believe we have an opportunity and obligation to protect our backyard—the Colorado Rockies—and, at the same time, to protect the quality of life in our small town mountain community of Silverthorne,” adds Rob. “It’s critical that we do everything we can to lessen our impact on the environment and do the right thing for our community, our employees and partners.”
The journey began during the planning and design phase of The Pad, with a focus on upcycled materials like the 18 shipping containers incorporated into the design. The property also places a strong emphasis on social lodging and community building, offering unique and affordable accommodations and hosting weekly and special events, many of which benefit local nonprofit organizations.
