SAM Magazine - Snowmass, Colo., September 18, 2008 - A turbine tower that was part of an experimental effort to test the viability of wind power on Snowmass ski area was irreparably damaged during installation last Thursday. The tower was damaged when the winch used for installation failed. A new tower is expected to be installed in the same area within two weeks, and the project should continue as planned.

The project involves a 164-foot tower equipped with four anemometers. The tower will be installed at the top of Big Burn, and will gather data on wind direction and speed. The experiment is being run in conjunction with the USFS, and Leitwind, a subsidiary of Leitner-Poma.

According to Auden Schendler, the ski company's executive director of community and environmental responsibility, it is expected that the results will indicate that there is enough wind for effective electricity generation at the site, and that the installation of three turbines at the top of Big Burn would meet two-thirds of the Aspen Skiing Company's demand for electricity.

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