It might not be up there with Vail or Whistler in terms of lifts and terrain, but Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock, Massachussetts has become North America's first ski resort to install a wind turbine.The New England ski area held a dedication ceremony for the 1.5-megawatt turbine last Wednesday. The project cost US$3.9 million, but will reduce the mountain's energy bill by 49.4 per cent, according to resort CEO Brian Fairbank.
If the turbine produces excess energy, the electricity will be sold back to the national grid.
The resort recognises that skiers and boarders are beginning to question whether taking a ski holiday is environmentally sustainable and hopes to encourage other ski resorts to follow in its footsteps.
Read Jiminy Peak's environment policy.
Photo credit: Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort
