Snowbird powers up.
Snowbird Power Systems has been upgraded with a new cogeneration, or combined heat and power (CHP), facility. By rebuilding and relocating Snowbird's cogeneration facility, we have succeeded in bringing more efficient and reliable energy to the mountain.
The Previous Plant
Snowbird's original cogeneration plant started running in October of 1986 and is the only existing cogeneration facility at a ski resort in North America. The facility was acknowledged as a world-renowned engineering feat.
The cogeneration plant takes waste heat given off by electricity-producing engines and uses that heat to warm the building and water at The Cliff Lodge. The original cogeneration plant offsets the majority of the power needs for The Cliff Lodge, along with the east village.
New & Improved
The new Snowbird Power Systems facility started running in June 2021 and covers nearly all of the energy needs of the entire resort including The Cliff Lodge, Snowbird Center, The Aerial Tram and the other chairlifts.
Snowbird Power Systems reduces Snowbird's dependency on the traditional electrical grid, meaning that Snowbird is almost entirely energy independent, more efficient and coal free.
Project Highlights
- Snowbird Power Systems can cover up to 100% of the resort's power needs
- The new plant was built without sacrificing Snowbird parking spots and is out of the way of the guests' experience
- It is the most complex project at Snowbird since The Summit on Hidden Peak
Awards
- Utah Association of Energy Users Award 2023: Snowbird Power Systems was awarded for outstanding leadership in energy efficiency and conservation.
- National Recognition Award 2023: Awarded to Snowbird Power Systems by the American Council of Engineering Companies, the National Recognition Award is a prestigious distinction honoring projects demonstrating exceptional engineering excellence at the national level.
.jpg)
