Snow and global warming don’t mix, ski resort owners seem to realize these days. Instead of the usual electric generators, more and more ski resorts are now turning to a greener way of providing electricity.
According to National Geographic, “twenty-two resorts in seven states now use wind power credits to supply 100 percent of their electricity demands.Together the areas purchase 305,074,498 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity and keep about 372,383,234 pounds of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas believed to be causing global warming, from entering the atmosphere.”
Other alternatives include building windmills for on site power gathering. Some resorts that cannot possibly handle major infrastructure changes can still make use of wind power by purchasing energy credits from central suppliers. This means that resorts can still be operated through eco-friendly means even if they do not have their own windmills.
While not all resorts have changed their lifestyle, ski resort heavyweights like the Aspen Skiing Company (they held the first international skiing competition in the United States) and Vail Resorts have certainly set a good example. In fact, Vail Resorts is now considered one of the largest purchasers of wind power in the United States.
This is certainly one great step for mankind. Resort owners actively participating in this global warming campaign is bound to produce a ripple effect. Guests who are mostly outdoor enthusiasts will certainly be more comfortable knowing that they are staying in an eco-friendly environment. This also presents a better chance for others to become more aware and more active in combating global warming.