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Wachusett Mountain Grooms White Snow with Green Fuel!

Contact: Tom Meyers, 978-464-2789, tom@wachusett.com

Date: November 27, 2007

PRINCETON, Ma. – What do French Fries and Snow Cats have in common at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area? Cooking Oil!

Wachusett is one of only three ski resorts in the Northeast to be converting 100% of its waste cooking oil into environmentally-friendly Biodiesel to fuel its five grooming vehicles. This winter the central Massachusetts ski area is converting 2,500 gallons of waste cooking oil from its restaurant and cafeteria (plus the mountain-owned Wachusett Village Inn) into biofuel. In addition to helping run the mountain’s five snow cats, the biodiesel product will also be utilized the 4 diesel-powered backup lift engines and the area’s 4 on-premise snow removal vehicles.

Purchased from Wachusett Bio-Mass in Princeton, Ma., the biodiesel will allow the mountain to burn up to 20% less diesel fuel and help reduce harmful emissions by up to 50% per gallon of biodeisel fuel burned.

“If skiers or riders get a sudden urge for French Fries when they see a grooming vehicle on the slopes, now they’ll know why,” said General Manager David Crowley. “Skiers are environmentalists and are ranked highest among participants in all sports in environmental awareness. We take our role as stewards of the land very seriously.” For more than 25 years, the ski area has made protecting the mountain’s natural resources -- while providing a valuable recreational opportunity to Massachusetts residents -- one of its primary focuses. From simple environmental protection measures to more comprehensive conservation initiatives, Wachusett’s long history of developing programs to protect the natural resources of the region has been a model for ski areas across the country and has earned numerous awards.

“Massachusetts is one of the lowest rated states in the country in biofuel production,” said Kyle Zelley, president of Wachusett Bio-Mass, which collects and processes waste oil at its Princeton treatment facility. “By purchasing this alternative energy, Wachusett’s participation in this program is a testimony to its commitment to protecting the environment as well as helping the state increase its biofuel production. Biofuel is better for the environment due to the fact that it is made from renewable resources.”