Boreal, new lift, new snowmaking and now green
Wed 02 July 08
Ready for 2008/9 the Californian resort are replacing the Gunnar’s double with a spanking new quad lift. They are also doubling the snowmaking capacity and from this month all its energy will be from a 100% renewable source
The new Castle Peak Quad will replace the existing Gunnar’s double chair, increasing base area capacity on beginner/novice runs and evolution terrain parks. The new lift will take skiers and riders to a slightly higher end point than the Gunnar’s chair, offering skiers and riders terrain to the resorts mid-mountain.
The improvements at Boreal do not end there. The resort will also be upgrading to a fully automated SMI Fan snowmaking system that will double its current output capacity and dramatically improve efficiency. This will make for a much improved early season product, cementing Boreal’s reputation as the first place to be in a Northern California winter. The expanded snowmaking system will not only increase capacity, it will reduce the resort’s carbon emissions by over 300 tons by eliminating compressed air.
“Our overall goal at Boreal is to continue improving our beginner and family experience, as well as improving the quality of our early season product”, said Jody Churich, General Manager of Boreal and Soda Springs. “Our corporate objectives always consider improving our carbon footprint when venturing into expansion plans as well,” she added.
With over $2.6 million dollars in summer improvements at Boreal, season passholders and ticket buyers will have lots to enjoy at Boreal next season. In addition, Boreal’s rental shop will complete a three year upgrade in its rental fleet to all Burton snowboards and boots, and Volkl skis.
Going Green
Powdr Corp announced that it will offset 100 percent of the grid supplied electricity consumed at its seven ski and snowboard resorts and one tubing park through the purchase of renewable energy credits beginning in June 2008. Powdr Corp’s purchase of nearly 50 million kWh of renewable energy credits (RECs) is the second largest among the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) partners in the travel and leisure category.
“We are passionate about the snowsports industry and the quality of life it provides to our families, team members and guests,” said Brent Giles, director of environmental affairs for Powdr Corp. “Our commitment to offset 100 percent of our resorts’ power from renewable energy sources is another step in the right direction to sustain our mountain lifestyle for years to come.”
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Related categories
:: Boreal Ski Resort stories
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