At Whiteface Mountain, we are fortunate to ski and ride surrounded by fresh air, countless bodies of crystal clear water, preserved forest and 45 other High Peaks that create unparalleled scenery and breathtaking views. We recognize this is much of what makes Whiteface Mountain so special. Our team strives to create an exceptional experience while also considering ways to protect and preserve our environment for future generations. In recent years, ski resorts have worked to reduce the environmental mark of our industry as a whole. Our goal is to not only meet conservation standards but to lead the way in minimizing our ecological impact with key initiatives.
Over the past several years, we have installed more than 400 low energy, high efficiency snow guns. These guns make significantly more snow in less time, ultimately enhancing the snowmaking season with an abundance of snow while reducing our carbon footprint. Additionally, our snowcats now run on state-of-the-art tier diesel engines, and we have eliminated full-time use of our diesel compressors for snowmaking. Our cats still sound awesome, groom the best corduroy in the Northeast and help make our fleet one of the most environmentally friendly in the business.
For the past few ski seasons, we powered operations at Whiteface Mountain with 100% renewable energy and are contracted to continue using 100% renewable energy over the next three years. We have installed a 2.6 megawatt solar plant located in Champlain, NY which will further our mission of utilizing renewable energy and sustainability long into the future. Solar power is extremely valuable in energy conservation for our ski lift and snowmaking operations. This 12-acre, 9,000 panel system will help us power our daily operations and ensure that we run our mountain with 100% renewable energy – it’s a promise we made to you, our community and ourselves. We use 15 million kilowatts annually so by switching to 100% renewable energy, we are preventing over 43 million pounds of carbon emissions. Our efforts also extend beyond the slopes as we now use propane as our main heat source, while also using infrared heaters in many locations and energy-efficient LED lighting.
Whiteface Mountain is committed to protecting and preserving our natural resources and exemplifying how conservation and recreation can coexist. Innovation is key and we will continue to improve and modernize our facilities with sustainability as a leading priority.
In March 2017, Whiteface, Gore and Belleayre became the first in the eastern United States to partner with The Climate Reality Project I AM PRO SNOW 100% Committed campaign and pledge to be powered by 100-percent renewable energy as a group by 2030. The three resorts have been pioneers in environmental awareness initiatives in the Northeast, having already met several standards of the Pro Snow campaign, so it was only natural that they be the first to make the pledge. At Whiteface, we are one of the few ski areas that already meets the 100% standard. We’re proud to rely solely on renewable energy and are constantly looking at ways to reduce our overall energy consumption. Every day we’re considering ways in which we can protect and preserve the environment and ensure that this sport remains for people and families for years to come.
While we continue to work towards reducing CO2 emissions, we can’t do it alone. Some of the responsibility also falls on the alpine community to help preserve these mountains for years to come. We ask that skiers and riders join us in reducing our impact on the environment. We have a mountain-wide zero sort recycling program, so each trash receptacle has an opening for both trash and recyclables. Any material that can be recycled should go in that opening with the recycle logo. We also encourage skiers and riders to carpool or take the shuttle to and from the mountain.
These are only two examples, but they’re simple ones that everyone can do. If we can each think globally and act locally, it will go a long way towards reducing the impact on the climate and ensuring that this great activity remains for generations to come!
