Vail Resorts, Inc. announced this morning that starting today, it will offset 100 percent of its energy use with wind power.
The company said it would purchase 152,000 megawatt-hours of wind energy annually to power its five ski resorts, its lodging properties, 125 retail locations operated by Specialty Sports Venture and its new corporate headquarters in Broomfield.
That makes Vail Resorts the second largest corporate purchaser of wind power in the country, behind Whole Foods Market, and the largest purchaser of wind power in the state.
“Our core mission is to provide guests with extraordinary vacation experiences,” said Vail Resorts chief executive Rob Katz. “Part of this mission is a commitment to protecting the natural environment of our resorts as stewards of these great resources and to the dedication we have to our guests. We view sustainability as critical to our company’s continued success.”
Vail Resorts will purchase the renewable-energy credits from Boulder-based Renewable Choice Energy.
Gov. Bill Owens applauded the move.
“The winds of change truly are blowing across Colorado,” he said. “This is a private company that is making a conscious and consciencious effort what’s right for Colorado.”
Vail Resorts follows the lead set by Aspen Skiing Co., which announced in March it would offset 100 percent of its electricity use at its four Colorado ski resorts by purchasing renewable-energy certificates from wind farms.
Staff writer Julie Dunn can be reached at 303-820-1592 or at jdunn@denverpost.com.
