Renewable Energy

In keeping with our commitment to reduce overall companywide energy use we continue to look for opportunities to invest in technologies to support the on site generation of renewable energy.  We are evaluating opportunities to utilize such technologies as solar, geothermal, and micro hydro to generate power to support our operations. To date we have invested in several projects.

In summer 2008, Vail Mountain partnered with the U.S. Forest Service and Holy Cross Electric Company to harness Colorado sunshine for its energy needs in several public buildings at the top of the Eagle Bahn gondola. Vail Mountain installed an 8.4-kilowatt photovoltaic system consisting of 42 200-watt panels on the roof of Bailey's restaurant at Adventure Ridge. This new highly efficient system provides enough solar energy to power the entire building, and the excess electricity will light other facilities at Eagle's Nest.

We also have installed solar photovoltaic panels in place at the information kiosk at River Run in Keystone and plans are underway at the Landings St. Lucia to install a solar hot water heating system.

Seeking Renewable Energy Options
Not content to rest on our laurels, we're continually searcfing for ways to replace our existing power needs with cleaner energy sources. Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor's National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Boulder, Colo., selected Julie Klein, Director of Environmental Affairs for RockResorts and Vail Resorts Hospitality, to participate in their 2008 Executive Energy Leadership program as one of 19 Colorado business and goverment leaders. The six-month program is designed to educate business and government leaders about clean energy solutions for their businesses and local economies. It will give them an in-depth look at renewable utility applications, biofuels and transportation, energy efficient building applications and future energy markets. Briefings by technology experts, research laboratory tours and visits to field applications are part of the classroom experience. At the conclusion of the program, participants are asked to present a viable project on a renewable energy or energy efficiency application that could be implemented by their organization.