Cranmore Grooms for Growth

What's next for Cranmore on the sustainability front

Cranmore's biodiesel efforts are lead by their long-time Operations Director, Jim Mersereau. Download hi-res version.

North Conway, NH -- Cranmore made headlines in 2003 when it became the first ski area east of the Mississippi to run its grooming equipment and other diesel vehicles on the then-innovative alternative fuel that few others were utilizing. Now 6 years later, biodiesel fuel, energy conservation and climate change are all over the news, and Cranmore again is leading the way with initiatives striving to reduce carbon emissions at the resort.

Cranmore switched to biodiesel (B20) to operate their four groomers, including a new Prinoth Bison groomer. Cranmore was the first Eastern United States winter resort to switch to biodiesel (B20) instead of conventional fossil fuel diesel. The resort uses more than 20,000 gallons of 20% biodiesel fuel each year which results in a 4,000 gallon reduction of conventional fossil fuel diesel.

Cranmore's biodiesel efforts are lead by their long-time Operations Director, Jim Mersereau.

Mersereau didn't just jump on the environmental bandwagon; he's driving it. A Cranmore groomer since 1971 and someone who saw the throbbing headaches mechanics used to get from the diesel fumes when working on their machines, Mersereau was the man leading the mountain's switch to biofuel. Since that milestone, Mersereau still keeps environmental strides on his everyday agenda. Mersereau shared his thoughts on biodiesel and where the resort is going with its environmental efforts.

What does it take for you to pursue an eco-project?
It's nice to be able to look to other resorts to see what they are doing, but I also need to do some investigating before we make any changes to see if it is right for our situation. For example, when I was looking to convert our groomers, a lot of other resorts were using cooking oil, but that can sometimes clog in this climate.

What are the biggest obstacles to getting programs like this off the ground?
It's mostly financial. It's costly to get these projects started but I've been able to put together proposals to find some grants from the state. It's a challenge, but knowing you're doing something positive in the long wrong -- and getting some added recognition for it too -- is worth that financial investment on our end.

What's an example of a more costly initiative you'd like to pull off?
I really want to install solar panels on the roof of the fitness center to heat all of the hot water and the pool, instead of using propane or heating oil. The initial investment would be costly but we would save a lot on electricity in the long run.

Anything else on your radar right now?
I've done a lot of research into geothermal, solar, and wind alternatives. However, with these bigger investments, I need to do some more research to show the real benefits. Then it's a matter of finding vendors and funding. The effort will be well worth it in the end if it will lessen our dependence on electricity.

Cranmore marks its conversion to biofuel every year with two special "Biodiesel Days" where drivers of alternative fuel vehicles are rewarded with a free lift ticket and VIP Parking. This year, the dates are set for January 23, 2010 and March 20, 2010.

Cranmore has been repeatedly recognized for its efforts to "go green." The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association presented a National Community Service Award to New Hampshire Electric Cooperative for the co-op's multi-faceted program to help Cranmore Mountain Resort reduce its energy consumption by applying new, efficient technologies and participating in a demand response program.

Additionally, Cranmore was commended in 2008 by NH Governor John Lynch for taking significant steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and for being the first ski area to support the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Other politicians to recognize Cranmore  by making campaign stops at the resort in 2007-2008 included Democratic presidential contender and now-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and NH State Senator candidate and former NH Governor, Jeanne Shaheen.

Cranmore Mountain is located in the heart of North Conway Village in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, only 2.5 hours from the Boston area. For more information, visit www.cranmore.com/gogreen or call 1-800-SUN-N-SKI.