The largest solar array in the ski industry – and the largest array in Western Colorado – was celebrated yesterday, July 1, 2008 at the Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS), in Carbondale, Colo., about 30 miles northwest of Aspen/Snowmass.

Aspen Skiing Company (ASC), funded the installation of the 150kW system, which will
produce 200,000 kWh annually (enough power for 20 average American homes) and keep 400,000 lbs of carbon dioxide out of the air each year. The array will power the CRMS science building and excess energy will feed into the town of Carbondale’s power grid.

This was not your traditional ski industry event as hundreds gathered to hear Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, Senator Ken Salazar and ASC owner Jim Crown speak about the importance of alternative energy and the new energy economy of Colorado.

ASC’s President and CEO Mike Kaplan was the master of ceremonies and anticipated that this would be the “first drop” in a downpour of alternative energy initiatives statewide.

While the project was funded by ASC and the land donated by CRMS, the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) and the town of Carbondale played essential roles in making this project come to fruition.

Aspen Skiing Company is considered a leader in sustainable business practices. Details on their programs are available www.aspensnowmass.com/environment.