Ludlow, Vermont (August 31, 2026) – Okemo Mountain Resort is undertaking one of the most significant snowmaking infrastructure investments in its history this summer, modernizing key systems across the mountain to deliver a better skiing and riding experience while dramatically reducing energy consumption and emissions.
Representing one of the largest capital investments currently underway across Vail Resorts and the company's largest emissions-reduction initiative this calendar year, the project is a key component of the Company’s approximately $215 million to $220 million core capital investment program across its resorts for 2026. The upgrades will increase snowmaking efficiency, expand snow production capacity, and position Okemo to take advantage of more snowmaking opportunities throughout the winter season.
Enhancing the Guest Experience Across 600 Acres
In New England, winter weather can swing at any point in the season, making snowmaking essential for building and maintaining quality ski and ride conditions. The infrastructure upgrades will significantly enhance snowmaking performance across Okemo's 600 skiable acres.
With new technology, the upgrades are expected to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Okemo’s snow production at temperatures of approximately 10°F above the previous systems. This broader operating range will create substantially more opportunities to make snow during marginal weather conditions.
As a result, guests can expect earlier terrain openings, faster expansion of available terrain, improved recovery following warm weather or rain events, and more consistent skiing and riding conditions throughout the season.
“This investment will be a gamechanger for both our guests and our operations,” said Bruce Schmidt General Manager of Okemo Mountain Resort. “The upgrades will allow us to make more snow in less time, capitalize on shorter weather windows, and maintain high-quality conditions throughout the season, all while significantly reducing the energy required to do it.”
Vail Resorts’ Largest Energy and Emissions Reduction Project for 2026
In addition to improving the guest experience, the project delivers substantial environmental benefits and represents Vail Resorts’ largest emissions-reduction initiative this calendar year.
This multi-faceted upgrade includes installing 700+ HKD Impulses and R5 Phazers, replacing 15 diesel-fueled compressors with two high-efficiency electric units, adding nine Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) motors to the Okemo pump station, and upgrading the Summit Valve House.
Together, these improvements are expected to eliminate approximately 250,000 gallons of diesel fuel consumption annually while significantly reducing operational emissions. The upgraded snow guns and VFD motors will also improve overall efficiency by matching power usage more closely with operational demand, reducing waste while increasing system performance.
The new Summit Valve House will further improve system reliability, monitoring capabilities, and responsiveness during critical snowmaking windows, helping teams maximize every opportunity to build and maintain snow surfaces throughout the winter.
Okemo has partnered with Efficiency Vermont, Ludlow Electric Light Department, and the Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (VPPSA) to complete the project. Working closely with local partnerships led to finding solutions to increase the available supply of electricity to Okemo needed to allow for a transition to fully electric compressors. Over multiple years of planning and engineering analysis, system improvements have allowed this project to be possible.
Once complete, the investment will strengthen Okemo’s ability to deliver a more reliable and consistent skiing and riding experience while significantly reducing its environmental footprint, creating benefits for guests, operations, and the broader community for years to come. The projected environmental and operational benefits described herein are estimates based on engineering analyses and anticipated operating conditions. Actual results may vary based on weather, operating practices, and other factors.
As Okemo invests in delivering more reliable conditions and an even better guest experience, now is the best time for skiers and riders to plan ahead for the 2026/27 season. Epic Passes are now on sale, providing the best value and flexibility for guests looking to make the most of winter at Okemo. With enhanced snowmaking capabilities helping maximize opportunities throughout the season, Pass Holders can look forward to more days enjoying the mountain they love.
Photos for media use, please credit respective resort
CONTACT:
Samara Sausville, Communications Manager VT/NY | samara.sausville@vailresorts.com
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About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN)
Vail Resorts is a network of the best destination and close-to-home ski resorts in the world including Vail Mountain, Breckenridge, Park City Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, Stowe, and 32 additional resorts across North America; Andermatt-Sedrun in Switzerland; and Perisher, Hotham, and Falls Creek in Australia – all available on the company’s industry-changing Epic Pass. We are passionate about providing an Experience of a Lifetime to our team members and guests, and our EpicPromise is to reach a zero net operating footprint by 2030, support our employees and communities, and broaden engagement in our sport. Our company owns and/or manages a collection of elegant hotels under the RockResorts brand, a portfolio of vacation rentals, condominiums and branded hotels located in close proximity to our mountain destinations, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyo. Vail Resorts Retail operates more than 250 retail and rental locations across North America. Learn more about our company at www.VailResorts.com, or discover our resorts and pass options at www.EpicPass.com.