Guest Carpool Incentive
Carpools of 4 or more will receive a $5 discount off parking rates at the lots at the base of the BreckConnect Gondola and at Beaver Run.
Lower Energy Snowmaking Guns
The Breckenridge Snowmaking Department has taken a number of steps to improve the energy efficiency of the Snowmaking system. In 2007 and 2008, 175 low-energy snowmaking guns were installed and in 2009, air compressors were sequenced to automatically turn off when not needed. The low-energy snow guns use over 50% less compressed air than traditional guns, resulting in significant electricity savings. In addition, higher efficiency nozzles have been put on 350 tower snow guns around Breckenridge, and each of these guns now uses over 20% less electricity than before (through reduced compressed air use).
Variable-Frequency Drives on Lifts
17 of 30 lifts at Breckenridge have variable-frequency drive motors (VFDs). The VFDs allow a higher percentage of the electricity coming in from the grid to be effectively used to drive the lift and generally use approximately 30% less electricity to run a lift than a traditional drive. On 17 lifts, this significantly reduces electricity use.
Building Efficiency Upgrades
In 2008, lights in a number of Breckenridge facilities were upgraded to more efficient models. The upgrades are expected to save over 165,000 kilowatt-hours per year – equivalent to the average annual electricity usage of over 15 U.S. households! Also in 2008, 9 waterless urinals were installed in the men’s restroom in the bottom level of the Vista Haus. As the name implies, these urinals use no water, and save over 100,000 gallons over the course of the winter season.
Numerous other electrical upgrades have been put in place at Breckenridge facilities to improve efficiencies:
- Light bulbs have been upgraded to compact fluorescent bulbs wherever possible.
- Outdoor air temperature sensors have been installed at a number of buildings to shut off heat when it does not need to run.
- LED exits signs have replaced incandescent versions, saving over 300 kWh per year per sign
- Timers and motion sensors have been installed in bathrooms to ensure lights are not left on for long periods of time.>
- Clivus toilets are installed at 4 locations on-mountain. The toilets compost waste and do not require plumbing, saving huge amounts of water.
4-Stroke Snowmobiles
Breckenridge is in the process of replacing 2-stroke snowmobiles with 4-stroke snowmobiles. 4-stroke snowmobiles burn fuel more completely than 2-stroke machines, resulting in better fuel efficiency, fewer emissions, and quieter operation.
Dirt Work in Park
In summers from 2006 through 2009, dirt from excavation in the Peak 8 base area was hauled into the Freeway terrain park for use as bases for terrain features and to the Trygve’s trail to level the grade. This dirt saves an estimated 3,000,000 gallons of water from being used to fill the same area with snow each season, and as a result, saves an estimated 120,000 kWh of electricity annually.
To reduce our impact on natural systems, we also support:
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Protection
Recycling and Waste Reduction
National Forest and Pine Beetle