Long denigrated by environmentalists for wastefulness, ski areas throughout the region are going GREEN this season.

Jackson (Not Al) Gore’s Construction Takes a Green Initiative at Okemo
With the launch of his film An Inconvenient Truth, Al Gore’s name has become synonymous with environmental consciousness. However, a different Gore–Jackson Gore–Okemo Mountain Resort’s newest base area facility, was conceived and built with an eye toward energy efficiency, recycling of materials and reduction of environmental pollutants.
    Buildings at Jackson Gore are designed to conserve energy. The building frame is sealed with layers of insulation and vapor barriers.  The cementitious clapboard conserves wood, reduces construction waste and is less prone to rot, thus reducing the need for future replacement.  Exterior design protects against air infiltration and reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling.   Low-E glass used in windows and entryways reduces airflow and overall heat exchange. The electrical and power systems have all been designed in cooperation with Efficiency Vermont. 
    The Jackson Gore development leaned heavily on construction supplies created from recycled materials, such as insulation made from recycled newspaper and cultured stone and flooring from recycled plastics and rubber.
    Ground pollution is reduced by state-of-the-art storm water collection and treatment systems that remove suspended solids and pollutants prior to filtration and discharge.  Low-flow fixtures reduce water use and ultimately affects wastewater treatment capacity.  Installation of gas, instead of wood-burning fireplaces reduce particulate emissions and the concept of cluster development at Jackson Gore reduces impact on soils, forests, open lands and water resources.
    Certainly, Okemo claims, their efforts at Jackson Gore would make Al Gore proud.

Shawnee Peak First Ski Area in Maine to Power by 100% Wind 
Shawnee Peak, long known for its night skiing, low prices and family-friendly atmosphere, is now environmentally friendly, powering its entire operation with renewable wind power through Community Energy, Inc. of Wayne, PA.  Clean energy avoids the consumption of commercial electricity for its lifts, snowmaking equipment, lights, lodges and administrative offices.  According to the area’s estimates, it prevents the release of 2.2 million pounds of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of planting more than 150,000 trees or removing 159 cars from the road.

Return of Boston to Wachusett Ski Train!
After a 23 year hiatus, the Boston Ski Train has returned on weekends in time for gas-sapped skiers and riders to rejoice.  The $7.75 per one way ticket not only helps the environment and save wear and tear on your vehicle, Wachusett Mountain will credit the cost of a one way fare on your lift ticket or cafeteria tab.
    Ski train cars are equipped with safe storage areas for boards and skis; at the Fitchburg station, riders transfer to a free shuttle that takes them to Wachusett Mountain in 10 minutes.
    The Boston Ski Train is a joint effort of Wachusett Mountain, the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority and the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail Company.
    Wachusett Mountain is located on MA’s highest mountain east of the Connecticut River and boasts 100% snow-making.

Burke Mountain:  It’s So Easy Skiing Green
VT’s Burke Mountain has been working with Efficiency Vermont to reduce its carbon footprint.  Updates include energy efficient snow-making guns, recycling, and increased emphasis on bio-diesel vehicles in the resort’s fleet.