BOLTON VALLEY, Vt. (June 11, 2013)—This spring, Bolton Valley, winner of the National Ski Areas Association’s Silver Eagle Award for Excellence in Energy Conservation/Clean Energy in 2010, was awarded one of Ski Vermont’s inaugural Green Mountain Awards for Environmental Excellence.

Bolton Valley was the winner for the Greenest Alternative Energy Program because of its 121-foot tall Northwind 100 Wind Turbine, which produces approximately 300,000 kilowatt hours of power annually – about one eighth of Bolton Valley’s total energy needs and an amount equivalent to the electricity consumed by 40 to 45 Vermont households. In 2009 Bolton Valley became the nation’s second ski area, and Vermont’s first, to install its own wind turbine to use as an energy source.

“We are constantly looking for new ways to be more energy efficient,” said George B. Potter, president of Bolton Valley. “Using wind power as an energy source is just one of those ways. But simple initiatives like using safe snowmelt on sidewalks, our recycling stations throughout the resort and our environmental towel program in the hotel go a long way, too, and those types of programs help to get our guests involved. Collectively we can all make a big environmental impact to save energy and resources.”

The Green Mountain Awards were established to celebrate Vermont’s Green Up Day, a statewide spring tradition of environmental beautification. Judged by Melinda Vieux, president of Green Up Vermont, Alan Hebert of Efficiency Vermont and Vermont Ski Areas Association President Parker Riehle, Vermont resorts competed to win awards in environmental stewardship. Categories ranged from composting and recycling efforts to educational programs and energy efficient renovations.

To learn more about Bolton Valley’s environmental initiatives, including reducing diesel and electric power consumption in snowmaking, reducing fossil fuel consumption for heating the base lodge, recycling, an environmental towel program, and more, visit www.boltonvalley.com.

Bolton Valley was the first in Vermont and the second in the U.S. to implement wind power as an energy source and is the recipient of the National Ski Areas Association’s 2010 Silver Eagle Award for environmental initiatives. Approximately 100km of high elevation Nordic terrain, a complete Sports Center and Indoor Amusement Center plus Vermont’s most extensive top-to-bottom night skiing and riding are just a few of the extras available to guests. All-inclusive, true ski-to-your-door lodging packages are from $79/person/night. For more information visit www.boltonvalley.com or call 877-9BOLTON.