Okemo, Mount Snow, and Stowe, VT, Upgrade Their Snowmaking Systems to Improve Efficiency - SnowBrains

"This directly supports their Commitment to Zero, Vail Resorts' sustainability goal of achieving a zero net operating footprint by 2030. "At Okemo, we're always looking for ways to improve the guest experience while reducing our environmental impact. These snowmaking upgrades allow us to cover key terrain faster and more efficiently, which means better early-season conditions and a more sustainable approach to operations," Bruce Schmidt, COO / General Manager of Okemo Mountain Resort, told SnowBrains in an email."

"Eb Kinney, Director of Mountain Operations, told Okemo upgraded nearly 300 snow gun nozzles before opening day on trails across the mountain, including Upper World Cup, Lower Chief, Countdown, and sections of the base area. "By upgrading snow gun nozzles across the mountain, we've significantly increased our snowmaking efficiency. This technology helps us build a strong base quickly, recover after weather events, and do it all while using less energy, benefiting both our guests and the environment." SnowBrains in an email."

"The mountains did not add new snow guns; instead, they upgraded and replaced the nozzles on existing guns to increase efficiency. The upgraded nozzles improve the efficiency of that snow gun by up to 50%, allowing greater pumping capacity and faster terrain coverage. These upgrades were applied strategically on high-priority terrain used throughout the season to help build a strong base and cover terrain faster."

Okemo, Mount Snow, and Stowe completed snowmaking nozzle upgrades in partnership with Efficiency Vermont to boost efficiency and sustainability. The projects replaced and upgraded nozzles on existing guns rather than adding new units, improving individual gun efficiency by up to 50% and enabling greater pumping capacity. Okemo upgraded nearly 300 nozzles across key trails and base areas to build base quickly, recover after weather events, and extend season-ready terrain. Upgrades were placed strategically on high-priority terrain across all three resorts to speed coverage, reduce energy use, and support Vail Resorts' Commitment to Zero by 2030.

Read at SnowBrains