Environmental Efforts a Priority for TSV

In an effort to protect it’s magnificent surroundings Taos Ski Valley has announced several green initiative beginning in the 2008-2009 winter season.

The biggest change is that 100% Taos Ski Valley’s electricity will now come from renewable sources.  In a partnership with their local co-op Kit Carson Electric, Taos Ski Valley will purchase approximately 3,000,000 kilowatt hours of wind power going completely away from traditional coal produced electricity.  “Taos Ski Valley is the biggest energy consumer in this region, and we are proud to be showing our commitment to sound environmental practices by making this move,” said Adriana Blake Taos’ Marketing Director. “Hopefully, this will encourage other large energy consumers and ski resorts in New Mexico to consider using renewable energy in their operations.”

Taos Ski Valley has long practiced environmental conservation in cooperation with the National Forest Service.  Every summer, grass is planted and water bars are built to keep soil from eroding on cut runs.  Also, as the area grows, more and more runs are being gladed instead of clear-cut. Older two-stroke snowmobiles are being replaced by new, cleaner-burning four-stroke snowmobiles. The ski valley will also save more energy with efficient snow-making compressors, that pump more water using less power. Additionally, recycling, which is difficult in this remote area, and using either biodegradable or recycled products is a priority for every department at TSV where they now use all recycled or biodegradable paper products including napkins, to go containers, business cards, and paper and recycle everything from glass to magazines.

For guests and visitors to Taos Ski Valley who want to live their own green lifestyles, Taos Ski Valley is continuing the SkiGreen program for the third season. The program offers guests the opportunity to offset 150 miles of the carbon from their travel. Guests can add the SkiGreen tag to a lift ticket for just $2 or to a season pass for $20. SkiGreen is a partnership between the Bonneville Environmental Foundation and other leaders in the winter sports industry.

Employees at Taos Ski Valley are also contributing to keeping the valley green. One major example is that instead of employees each driving an average of 15 miles one-way to reach the base of the ski area every day, they will park their cars and carpool in a company vehicle. By doing this, employees are saving more than 150 miles of driving each week and reducing the emissions in the Valley.  “Everyone at Taos Ski Valley is committed to preserving our natural environment and making Taos the “greenest” ski area in New Mexico,” says Blake.

For more information go to skitaos.org