Sustainability

Gore Mountain is a recognized leader in environmental stewardship, committed to preserving the winter experience for future generations. The resort operates one of the largest solar arrays dedicated to a ski area in the United States, with over 14,500 panels offsetting up to 41% of its annual electricity use. Gore has also invested in high-efficiency snowmaking equipment, saving over 2.1 million kilowatt-hours of energy annually and significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Beyond energy, the mountain promotes sustainability through expanded recycling, repurposing materials, offering locally sourced food, and collaborating with environmental organizations. These efforts have earned Gore numerous accolades, including the DEC’s Environmental Excellence Award and the prestigious Golden Eagle Award for sustainability.

Solar Power

Spanning 20 acres and featuring 14,589 solar panels, Gore’s two-array installation – completed between 2016 and 2017 – is one of the largest solar arrays in the United States dedicated to a ski area. Located in Whitehall, NY and capable of producing up to 5.5 megawatts of power, the solar field offsets approximately 41% of Gore’s total energy usage. This clean energy investment has already generated over $5.7 million in savings as of March 2022, underscoring Gore’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility and operational efficiency.

solar panels

Energy-Efficient Snowmaking

Gore Mountain has made significant strides in sustainable snowmaking by investing in cutting-edge, energy-efficient technology. Most recently, with support from National Grid, the resort installed 136 tower-mounted snow guns capable of producing over 190 acre-feet of snow annually while conserving more than 2.1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. Gore’s snowmaking system now covers 97% of its terrain and operates with the same energy footprint as it did two decades ago—despite the resort tripling in size.

Learn more about Gore’s recent team-up with National Grid

Efficient Snow Grooming

Gore’s PistenBully snow groomers are equipped with state-of-the-art Tier 4 engines, which significantly reduce emissions and fuel consumption. In addition, Gore operates multiple PistenBully E+ Hybrid 600 snow groomers – an advanced hybrid model that combines diesel and electric power for maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact. These innovations not only enhance the quality of the snow surface but also align with Gore’s broader commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and preserving the natural beauty of the Adirondacks.

E+ Hybrid 600

EV Charging

Gore Mountain supports eco-conscious travel with six Level 2 AC ChargePoint electric vehicle charging stations located in Parking Lot C. These stations allow guests to conveniently charge their EVs while enjoying a day on the slopes or trails. By offering EV charging, Gore Mountain continues its commitment to sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of mountain recreation. Learn more about our EV chargers here.

Chargepoint Electric Vehicle charger

Awards

Environmental Awards
Environmental Awards

NSAA Endorser Sustainable Slopes

Gore Mountain has been recognized consistently as a leader in environmental stewardship!

The NSAA presented Gore with the Sustainable Slopes Endorser Badge for 2020. Adopted by the ski industry in 2000 and updated in 2020, NSAA’s Sustainable Slopes initiative provides an overarching framework for ski areas on sustainability and enhanced environmental performance. Ski areas pledge to take steps across their operation to move toward sustainable practices.

Gore Mountain was presented with the esteemed DEC’s Environmental Excellence Award, recognized by New York State as a leader in innovation and sustainability.

Presented by SKI Magazine, the “Golden Eagle” is the industry’s most prestigious award for sustainability, and Gore’s broad range of environmental stewardship across several areas of its operation was integral to its 2016 win. At the same time, Gore Mountain successfully demonstrated that a growing resort (its acreage and uphill capacity have increased 131 percent and 142 percent respectively over the last 20 years) can simultaneously be sustainable.

Environmental Award Article

Golden Eagle Press Release

Since 2000, Gore has won three “Silver Eagle” awards, which are competitive environmental excellence awards in regard to a specific discipline.

  • Excellence in Environmental Group Relations
  • Excellence in Environmental Education
  • Excellence in Minimization of Visual Impact

Gore was also a finalist for winning a Silver Eagle for Waste Reduction & Recycling.