Wolf Creek Ski Area sees the importance of using renewable energy sources and feels that businesses should be setting an example in this area. For this reason, Wolf Creek purchases 100 percent of all power usage, mountain wide and year round, from a green power energy supplier, Tri-State Generation and Transmission, who in turn supplies the SLVREC, the local power company for Wolf Creek. This green power comes from two wind farms located near Medicine Bow, Wyoming. Although this energy is currently more expensive, Wolf Creek is making a substantial commitment in showing the need for sustainable business practices. The average monthly usage for Wolf Creek is 145,900k which would be equal to removing 241 cars a year from the road. Wolf Creek has been recognized by the Forest Service for subsidizing 100% of power usage with wind power.
Wolf Creek’s forest, like most in the state of Colorado, is infested with the spruce beetle. As an expense to Wolf Creek and in an active role as steward to the forest, many of these infested trees are removed by helicopter to control beetle spread and devastation. These infested trees are air lifted away giving the rest of the forest a better chance of survival with far less impacts on the ground. Most, if not all beetle infested trees have been blown over. Wolf Creek Ski Area has a policy that does not allow the removal of live, healthy, green trees larger than 6” in diameter. More information on this policy is available by contacting Wolf Creek Ski Area.
Two modern water-free restrooms facilities have been given final approval by the USFS. These environmentally friendly restrooms are water-free, composting and certified with a zero discharge. The restrooms will be 800 square feet in size, heated and located at the tops of the Treasure Chairlift and the Raven Lift. Lower water toilets have been in place in all other restroom facilities at the ski area since 1982 long before it was proper to save water resources.
Share the Ride, Share the Fun is a new carpool program that is available to Wolf Creek guests, established this 2008-2009 season. This program connects skiers who need rides with those who would like to share the cost of the drive or the companionship. Anyone can sign up, it’s free and easy to use and it is available to all who see the benefit of conserving energy. The program works well for local and regional customers. Along with supporting renewable energy sources, employees of the Wolf Creek Ski Area are encouraged to car pool on the commute up Wolf Creek Pass during the ski season especially over holiday periods. While some employees make an effort others need to become more conscientious.
For the past 16 years Wolf Creek Ski Area has participated in an in-depth study of the water quality coming from precipitation. This program is being done in conjunction with the University of Illinois in order to determine trends in acid rain and acid snow. Also, Wolf Creek Ski Area conducts bi-annual in depth water sampling, conducted by an independent water firm, of all major streams passing through Wolf Creek Ski Area.
Wolf Creek uses 100% biodegradable hydraulic oils in all heavy equipment. This oil is manufactured out of grape seed oil, it costs $35 per gallon and is guaranteed to break down into a completely biodegradable product in less than four weeks. As far as we know we are the only ski area in Colorado using this product and have been using this product for well over ten years. Wolf Creek also recycles kitchen oil, steel, cardboard, paper, batteries, old uniforms, ink jet cartridges, phone books and old computers. Wolf Creek Ski Area also owns an off site facility which stores other products that should be recyclable, but without cooperation from suppliers, the used products accumulate. Wolf Creek strives to find companies that would recycle some of these products. For example old plastic ski boots, no ski boot manufacturing companies recycle their product even when asked. Call for information about other used products that can’t be recycled.
Solar power is used at small outlying buildings at Wolf Creek.
Through buying shares in San Juan Biodiesel, Wolf Creek is supporting this alternative fuel source.
The Ski Areas Citizens Coalition has given Wolf Creek an “B” on their environmental Report Card, check out the details at www.skiareacitizens.com
