Boreal Operates Daily on 100% Renewable Energy

Donner Summit, CA - Boreal Mountain Resort along with parent company, Powdr Corporation and its six sister resorts continue to move forward with efforts to reduce resort operational effects on global warming.

With the purchase of a software program from the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), a worldwide organization, each of Powdr’s resorts has the ability to measure its carbon footprint. From that information, Powdr resorts have the ability to review and analyze areas of operation that can be modified to reduce its carbon output. Boreal was able to identify areas such as electricity output, fuel efficiencies etc.

In 2006, Boreal contracted with Renewable Choice Energy to offset its power equivalent for green energy. The energy offset is equivalent to not driving 2,295,147 miles in the average car; or taking 200 cars off the road, or the same as planting 278 acres of fully mature trees.

As every child in America has learned over the years; we must recycle, reuse and reduce. To ensure Boreal is doing all that it can on this front, Sierra Cost Management is working with the resort on an aggressive recycling and waste reduction program. In year one, Boreal was able to reduce waste by over 17 percent.

Future efforts will include lighting exchange throughout the base lodge, new energy efficient windows, and snowmaking upgrades. “Our green efforts are not short-term, they are founded at our corporate headquarters, and come with significant planning and financial support” said Boreal General Manager, Jody Churich. “We have a green team at Boreal who are committed to snow sports, and ensuring future generations have the same quality snow that we enjoy today,” she added.

Boreal Focuses on Its Niche: Affordable, accessible and innovative

When asked, most people will admit they learned to ski or snowboard at a small local mountain. The idea of learning at a mountain that you can see the top of is a bit less intimidating than the mega resorts that have tramways and gondolas that hoist you to unseen territory.

Boreal has long been known as a great place to learn to ski and snowboard, not only for it’s easy access off Interstate 80, and not necessarily because it is a short 90 minute drive from Sacramento, but because the learning hill is right in front for all to see. While Boreal continues to expand the beginner “bunny” terrain, the idea of adding some fun to your first day on skis or board are the foundation of Boreal’s Learn to ski/snowboard programs. “Our instructor training programs are centered on “fun” and integrating that into “technique” for stopping and turning, said Ski/Snowboard School Manager, Nate Ellis. “We have fun with our employees, and in turn they show our guests how to have fun,” he added. Boreal ski/snowboard school often dresses up in 70’s ski wear, or will have a random day of whacky ski hats and the highly anticipated “neon” days.

While Boreal has focused on terrain park expansions, it has not lost sight of its customer and the importance of remaining affordable. As resorts at Tahoe expand with real estate developments and villages, Boreal continues to stay focused on the niche it serves best. “Boreal is like the local municipal golf course -- it offers a day outdoors, it can be challenging, and it is still a place you can afford to take the whole family,” said John Frazer, Base Operations Director for Boreal.