HKD Snowmakers Joins Snowmaking Efficiency Program to Support Ski Vermont’s Learn to Turn Initiative

[AlpineZone News]

When Vermont ski resorts swapped out old snow guns for efficiency upgrades this season in the Great Snow Gun Round Up in order to make more snow with less energy, they also elevated Vermont’s ski industry and created more opportunities for new skiers and riders to learn the sport. After Efficiency Vermont pledged the nearly $7,000 in scrap metal proceeds from the 27,420 lbs of metal from recycled snowguns to Ski Vermont’s Learn to Turn programs, HKD Snowmakers, the preeminent snowgun supplier for Vermont resorts, generously matched that amount with another $10,000 to help promote Ski Vermont’s efforts at getting new skiers and riders onto Vermont’s slopes.

“It’s been such a pleasure working with Efficiency Vermont, Casella Waste Systems, and HKD Snowmakers on this initiative to make Vermont the premier state for snowmaking in the most environmentally efficient way possible,” said Ski Vermont President Parker Riehle. “And to harness those efforts to support our long-standing learn to ski and snowboard initiatives is a big win-win for everyone involved.”

“We’re incredibly proud to give back to Vermont’s ski industry in order to support Ski Vermont’s efforts at growing the sport,” said HKD Snowmakers President Charles Santry. “We’ve been very fortunate to work with resorts all across Vermont to expand their snowmaking efficiency, which goes to the heart of Vermont’s unrivaled environmental ethic.”

Ski Vermont’s Learn to Turn initiatives include $29 beginner packages during the month of January, the Bring a Friend challenge and the Fifth Grade Passport. All provide incentives for new skiers and riders to get outside in winter and enjoy the snow. Contributions will go towards increasing awareness of these programs and improving them next season.

Contributions will also support the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sport’s incentive to get Vermont kids outdoors this January, by purchasing even further discounted beginner packages for Vermonters under 18. The Council is currently offering the $29 package to 250 Vermont children for just $10. Ski Vermont will increase the participation limit to 300 with their support. See more details on this initiative at vermontfitness.org.

For a photo album showcasing the transition from old snowguns to new efficient guns, visit the Ski Vermont Facebook page.

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