Biodiesel Program

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 5 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 both at the resort.

Cranmore switched to biodiesel (B20) to operate their four groomers. 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.

This winter, Cranmore will again host two Biodiesel Days, when drivers of hybrid vehicles will receive a free lift ticket for the day as well as free VIP parking in the premiere lot. These events take place January 23, 2010 and March 20, 2010.

This winter, Cranmore installed 16 additional high-efficiency snow making tower guns, replacing older less efficient tripod snowguns.

Last winter, Cranmore refurbished 13 fan guns and is introducing two new SMI tower guns with on board compressors and a dedicated fan gun for terrain park snowmaking.

Previously, Cranmore instituted an anti-idling program for both staff and guests, instituting "Clean Air Zones" all around the resort. Motor vehicles are the leading source of air pollution in New Hampshire and one of the primary contributors of greenhouse gas emissions.

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.

General Manager Ben Wilcox and Mountain Operations Director Jimmy Mersereau have been speakers at various conferences and events on Cranmore’s biodiesel program, including the state’s Green Slopes Series. Marketing Director Kathy Bennett is the chairman of the environmental committee of Ski NH, working to help other ski areas develop environmentally friendly policies.