GREEN RESORTS

Conserving Powder

Ski resorts are doing what they can to save energy, all to keep the winter season long and the mountains covered in fresh flakes.

BY ALEX MILLER

The prospect of winter being 30 days shorter may seem a pleasant idea to some. For the snowsports industry, however, such climate predictions are not so welcome. One particularly pessimistic report released in July predicts that, by 2085, snow pack in the Vail area could be 57% less than it is now, with a markedly shorter winter.

In response, the ski industry has launched a variety of initiatives to counter or at least reduce the potential threat of climate change. They range from recycling programs to on-site windmills and solar panels to lobbying eff orts in Washington, DC. While smaller ski areas don’t have the means to confront the issue head-on, some of the bigger players are trying to lead the way.

One of those is Aspen Skiing Company, which dabbles in everything from alternative energy credits to biodiesel fuel for its

snowcats. But Auden Schendler, the company’s executive director of sustainability, is almost dismissive of the company’s efforts thus far.

“Things like recycling, giving money to environmental groups—that’s easy,” Schendler says. “The real lever is to use this winter sports business to lobby and influence federal legislation on climate.”

Ski resort literature is now dotted with info about the various “green” activities each organization is engaged in. Vail Resorts touts its 100% wind-powered operation—a feat achieved not by building windmills on the hill, but by purchasing wind credits through utility companies.

On the building front, EverVail is a large future development the company says will incorporate the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards for sustainable design. Breckenridge, CO’s One Ski Hill Place, scheduled to open for the 2009-2010 season, uses a standard called “Green Globes.” Th e building will use recycled materials, energy-saving windows, fiber cement siding, faucet and toilet sensors in the common areas, and engineered hardwood flooring.

In 2000, in the face of California’s energy crisis, Mammoth Mountain took strong measures to reduce its energy use. A lot of the fixes were behind-the-scenes tactics like recycling, educating employees on best practices and working with local utilities. Today, Mammoth is one of the leaders of the sustainable resort movement.

Aspen also has an aggressive plan in place. Along with local partners, Aspen Skiing Company is sponsoring the ski industry’s largest solar array, which broke ground in the spring. It will produce 8.4 megawatts/hour.

Eco-friendly resorts can be found outside of Colorado, as well. Take Vermont’s Stowe Mountain Lodge, for example, the first mountain resort in the US to achieve Audobon International’s Green Community Award. In addition, Killington, VT, has purchased more than 26 million kilowatts/hour of renewable energy credits.

While solar panels and recycling programs may not make a global impact any time soon, they’re a step in the right direction.

Green Gear

Get ready for ski season with these eco-friendly products.

GORDINI SODA MITTEN, $50 www.gordini.com With a shell made from recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles and an inside that combines recycled Thinsulate insulation with a bamboo charcoal lining (which keeps them dry and odor-resistant), this glove is eco-friendly in every way.
KOMBI LA BAMBA HAT, $16 www.kombiltd.com Made from 100% bamboo charcoal—which is biodegradable and offers UV protection—this hat is anti-micr wicking obial (no stink!), and super warm. It even offers natur al far-infrared radiation that improves blood circulation.
PURL SPEED WAX, $10 www.purlwax.com This Colorado-based company uses sustainable practices to make nontoxic, biodegradable ski waxes—and they work great.
PATAGONIA MEN’S POWDER BOWL JACKET, $350 www.patagonia.com Made with a 100% recycled polyester shell, this jacket can be donated to the company’s own recycling program when it’s time for a new one.
MOVEMENT THUNDER SKIS, $799 www.movementskis.com This Swiss company makes freeride skis using wood that’s been OK’d by the Forest Stewardship Council, so you won’t be making turns on clear-cut boards.