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Ten years later: how 'low-energy' snow guns have changed Vermont's ski resorts

The green and blue leaf-shaped logo of ski resort Jay Peak atop a stone pile foundation sits in a field of green grass.
Wilson Ring
/
AP
Jay Peak Resort shares how they use their low-energy snow guns to create snow.

After a warm start to the ski season, Vermont’s mountains finally have some good powder. But when the weather doesn’t cooperate, ski resorts often have their own snow. Snow making is expensive, and it takes a lot of energy. These days, many Vermont ski resorts are upgrading their systems to be more energy efficient.

General manager of Jay Peak Resort and chairman of the Vermont Ski Association Steve Wright talked about the decision-making process of when to make snow. Senior account manager at Efficiency Vermont Chuck Clerici also joined the conversation. He’s worked with 20 alpine ski areas in the state. Efficiency Vermont helps both individuals and businesses use less energy.

Broadcast at noon Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

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Mikaela Lefrak is the host and senior producer of Vermont Edition. Her stories have aired nationally on Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Weekend Edition, Marketplace, The World and Here & Now. A seasoned local reporter, Mikaela has won two regional Edward R. Murrow awards and a Public Media Journalists Association award for her work.