Positive Energy

Ski areas everywhere are being slammed with rising energy costs, and there seems to be no end in sight. But operators are finding solutions to reduce energy consumption, pinpointing obvious—as well as obscure—methods to counter costs.

“Overall, the biggest thing I’ve learned is once you have numbers and a plan, you can start tackling these problems and reducing consumption,” said Katherine Seleski, general manager at the nonprofit Pass Powderkeg in Alberta. “Our snowmaking master plan identified how badly we need VFDs on our pumps, and an energy audit showed that while I thought our base lodge roof was losing lots of heat, our windows were worse. It’s all about knowledge and ticking off the list while you can.”