VAIL, Colo. – Oct.
30, 2013 – Thanks
to the installation of new, highly-efficient snowmaking compressors at Vail and
Beaver Creek, both resorts anticipate a combined energy savings of
approximately 3.3 million kWh or the equivalent amount of energy used by more
than 300 U.S. homes in one year compared to the previous snowmaking compressors.
The new compressors
are an integral component to the snowmaking systems at Vail and Beaver Creek as
compressed air is vital to the snowmaking process. At both resorts the new
compressors will push air through underground snowmaking pipes to snowmaking
locations across the mountains, where the air will then be used to propel water
through the snow guns and into the atmosphere in order to make snow. A single
new compressor at Vail will replace eight old compressors, and Beaver Creek’s
new compressor will replace seven. In addition to making the snowmaking
system more efficient, these modern compressors will build on providing the
highest quality snow surfaces for skiers and snowboarders.
Vail, Beaver Creek
and Holy Cross Energy worked closely together on this initiative, which
contributed to the creation of a new rebate program for similar large, custom
commercial energy reduction projects. The project and partnership truly shows
Vail Resorts and Holy Cross’ commitment to increased efficiency and energy
reduction. This joint project will help Holy Cross Energy achieve 10 percent of
its five-year energy efficiency goal.
“The compressor
replacements at Vail and Beaver Creek are a great example of how we can work
together with our community partners as well as a significant step in Vail
Resorts’ new companywide energy reduction goal, ‘The Next 10,’ which aims to
cut our company’s energy usage by an additional 10 percent by 2020,” said Chris
Jarnot, senior vice president and chief operating officer for Vail Mountain.
In late 2008, Vail
Resorts set out to reduce its energy use by 10 percent and in early 2012, the
company surpassed its target goal. Through a continuous focus on energy
conservation, Vail Resorts was able to reduce its electricity and natural gas
usage by 10.75 percent through more efficient operations. The Next 10 Percent
energy reduction goal for 2020 includes efforts such as reassessing operational
efficiencies, examining ways to improve snowmaking, increasing building
automation, investing in free cooling and LED lighting upgrades, and
implementing additional energy efficient technologies.
Beaver Creek’s new
compressor is up and running for the resort’s snowmaking operations as weather
permits, including snowmaking on Beaver Creek’s new signature ladies race
course, Raptor. The course will field competition Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 and
serve as the ladies speed course for the 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships.
Beaver Creek opens for the season on Wednesday, Nov. 27.
Vail’s new compressor
will be ready to turn on as early as Nov. 1 for snowmaking operations across
the front side of the mountain in preparation for the public on opening day,
Friday, Nov. 22.
