![]() “Carbon will make skiing obsolete if we’re not careful.” “Skiing and riding shouldn’t be contributing to global warming,” said Pitcher. If no changes are made to mitigate the changing climate, less snow cover, snowfall, and a shorter snow season are inevitable.ĬEO Davey Pitcher wants to ensure that Wolf Creek continues to see killer snowfall every year by investing in renewable energy. Protect Our Winters states that winter temperatures will increase 4-10 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century if there is not a substantial intervention. We don’t believe that’s an argument, and the small economic sacrifice shouldn’t even be a question when it comes to protecting the planet’s resources.” “We’re spending more money, but it’s worth doing. “We believe in being the industry leader and driving the conversation about sustainable business practices,” said Pitcher. Wolf Creek is putting all of its blue bird days to use not only by shredding the fresh and sun-softened powder, but by using the sun to power its lifts. The new project goes beyond the reaches of a small town ski resort, and is benefitting members of SLVREC with locally-generated renewable energy, according to Pitcher. The Renewable Energy Systems (RES) operates the plant and manages the distribution of power not only to Wolf Creek, but to all other customers of SLVREC. Better yet, it is merely half a mile away from the substation which provides Wolf Creek with its power. Located in south central Colorado in a high-desert climate with ample sunlight, the San Luis Valley was the perfect place for the solar project. The initiative is known as the Penitente Solar Project. It has liberated the ski area from greenhouse gases: the area now runs entirely on renewable energy (solar during the day and wind at night). ![]() And this summer, a collaboration between the San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative (SLVREC) and Pitcher created a 25-acre solar farm in the San Luis Valley. Since 2006, the ski area has bought 100% of its electricity use with wind offsets, according to a “If we can control carbon emissions and there’s a reason to try, then we should try,” said Wolf Creek Ski Resort CEO Davey Pitcher. That includes everything from lift operations to electricity for buildings. Wolf Creek Ski Area is the first mountain to transition to 100% renewable energy. It’s a family-owned and run ski area outside of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. And no, it’s not some big or well-known multi-resort company. But one ski resort is determined to not let their operations contribute to the carbon dioxide problem. Wolf Creek Ski Area photo.īased on current climate change projections, the future of skiing looks grim. Ten lifts provide access to 133 trails, with 20% for beginners, 35% intermediate, 25% advanced, and 20% for experts.Wolf Creek is known for its local vibe and consistent snow coverage. With 1600 acres of terrain, beginners to advanced skiers and boarders will feel right at home. You won’t hear the din of snow-making machines fabricating a beaten path between rocks and dirt, but instead, listen for the distant whoops of avalanche-control bombs…ĭownhill skiers and snowboarders alike will love the family- oriented atmosphere and limited lift lines. Snow is so prolific here that the resort typically opens in October, giving it one of the longest seasons in the country. Wolf Creek boasts epic snowfall, generally 465+ inches of the fluffy white stuff each year, more than any other ski resort in Colorado. ![]() While the area is largely unknown outside of Colorado, it is beloved by powder hounds. 7 chair lifts, 2 conveyer lifts, 1 poma lift.
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