SAM Magazine - North Woodstock, NH, January 26, 2008--With a rich history of environmental initiatives (Cranmore was the first ski area east of the Mississippi to convert to biodiesel in 2003), New Hampshire ski areas are strengthening their environmental initiatives as part of a broad effort to reduce their footprints on the planet over the next few years.

In addition to Cranmore, Bretton Woods, Dartmouth Skiway, Loon Mountain, Mount Sunapee, and Ragged Mountain have also made the move to biodiesel fuel for their grooming fleets and/or facility heating sources. And Pats Peak, Cannon Mountain and the Balsams Wilderness are actively researching making the switch to biodiesel.

But while biodiesel remains a hot topic for New Hampshire resort operators, less visible and simple steps are also having a big impact. One of the most effective ways to combat climate change is to reduce the amount of time stationary engines and vehicles idle. With busy drop-off areas and numerous business deliveries, ski areas have large numbers of these vehicles. Ski areas including Bretton Woods, Cranmore, Crotched Mountain, Gunstock, Pats Peak, Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, Loon Mountain, and Ragged Mountain have all initiated anti-idling measures at their resorts. These areas use signage in drop-off/pick-up areas asking guests to turn off their cars as they arrive or pick up friends and family. Business-related deliveries also are greeted with the signage, and policies. Often these delivery trucks burn large amounts of fuel through stationary idling for extended times as the delivery is unloaded, making their regulation equally important.

Recycling also remains a priority. Recycling programs are simple and easy to implement ranging from Bretton Woods and Loon Mountain's recycling containers for guests' use to Crotched Mountain's program which recycles waste oil to heat their base lodge and other buildings on the property.

Other measures taken by resorts include Wildcat's initiative to reduce cafeteria waste by utilizing Greenwave environmentally-friendly food service products in its dining areas. The resort is joined by Ragged Mountain, which has also started using corn starch utensils rather than plastic, and Loon Mountain, which has switched from disposable plates and silverware to washable dining plates and utensils

But recycling and reducing waste isn't the only story here. Mount Sunapee buys all its electrical energy through renewable energy certificates that utilize wind-generated energy. Windblown heats its buildings with wood fires from wood that is grown and harvested on their own land.

Finally, preservation and enhancement of the natural landscape can also pay dividends. Bretton Woods is expanding Lake Carolyn, a wet land that is a natural habitat for fish and wildlife, while Gunstock celebrated its 70th anniversary this winter by giving away 1,500 trees for their customers to plant. \