Category Archives: US Travel

Bromley works with Efficiency Vermont to Bring Energy Efficient Snowmaking Upgrades; Implement Snowmaking Energy Index

Bromley Mountain took advantage of incentives from Efficiency Vermont to introduce more efficient snowmaking system, and in partnership with Efficiency Vermont, plans to install the first Snowmaking Energy Index (SEI) in the US © 2014 Dave Leiberman/news-photos-features.com
Bromley Mountain took advantage of incentives from Efficiency Vermont to introduce a more efficient snowmaking system, and plans to install the first Snowmaking Energy Index in the US © 2014 Dave Leiberman/news-photos-features.com

This winter season, Bromley Mountain, Vermont, is adding 74 brand new high efficiency HKD tower guns, complete with hoses, and scrapping our 59 remaining energy-hog ground guns. The 100% efficient equipment eliminates the need to rent diesel powered air compressors (a first in Bromley snowmaking history!) and adds permanent tower gun coverage to four trails. One of the reasons Bromley was able to scrap the ground guns was Efficiency Vermont, which offered a new incentive for Vermont Ski Resorts (more on the statewide initiative here) last spring. “Get rid of all your inefficient guns, and receive really, really, REALLY good incentives to purchase new, state of the art high efficiency equipment.”

Other new and exciting happenings in the Bromley snowmaking world include: Collaborating with HKD to develop a new design for a portable tower gun. One side-effect to surrendering the ground guns is a loss of flexibility in gun placement for tricky spots, steep spots, spots the tower guns just don’t go. In order to maintain portable options, 6 of the new tower guns will be just 6’ tall, mounted on a stable tri-pod (instead of a sled, like other portable tower guns) with specially developed nozzles to allow moisture coming out of these shorter guns the appropriate “hang-time” necessary for making good quality snow with tower guns.

Is it possible to further maximize efficiency? In partnership with Efficiency Vermont, Vermont’s Sun Mountain plans to find out by installing the first Snowmaking Energy Index (SEI) in the United States this winter. This system will allow Bromley’s snowmakers to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of its snowmaking system in real time, giving its team the ability to adjust variables allowing for maximum output, best quality snow and lowest energy consumption possible at all times.

Bromley is also the first resort in Vermont to install an Intelli-Flow Controller, giving the option to increase snow output by maximizing available air from the compressors based on real time environmental factors. For greater detail on snowmaking improvements, check Bromley’s snowmaking blog.

Meanwhile, Bromley is making it easier to get into skiing and snowboarding

This season’s Start Fun, Start Free events have been set for December 21, 2014, January 19, 2015 and March 15, 2015, when up to 75 guests, ages 6 and up can enjoy a day on snow, free of charge. Registrants will receive an all-day Learning Zone lift ticket, an all-day Rental of ski or snowboard equipment, and instruction in the Learning Zone from 10:30am until noon. Call 802/824/5522 to pre-register.

Following the “free” theme, Bromley is introducing the Super Duper Ski Package, partnering its Kidsrule Mountain Camps program with Elan skis. This $599 package includes 6 Kidsrule lessons, a free pair of Elan Starr skis with Quick Trick bindings, a coupon for great deals on boots, poles and accessories, plus a Bromley Season Pass! (The Season Pass isn’t new… since Kidsrule’s inception in 2011/12, every child that completes 6 Kidsrule lessons receives a full Season Pass.) The package saves $223 on lessons alone, the free skis retail for about $220, plus the value of a season pass (check bromley.com for the current rates). Limited packages available; click here for full details.

Bromley Mountain is located at 3984 Vermont Route 11, Peru, Vermont, six miles east of Manchester. For information, visit bromley.com, 802-824-5522.

See:

BROMLEY MOUNTAIN, CELEBRATING 75th ANNIVERSARY, STILL PINNACLE OF ‘CLASSIC VERMONT’ SKIING FOR FAMILIES

 

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New York State Partners with ResponsibleTravel on Sustainable Travel Online Guide, Itineraries

You can find out about bicycling along the Erie Canal tow paths at an online New York State Responsible Travel Guide which also offers itineraries © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.
You can find out about bicycling along the Erie Canal tow paths at an online New York State Responsible Travel Guide which also offers itineraries © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Have you ever thought to explore New York State’s Amish culture, or bike along the hundreds-of-miles long Erie Canal towpath? Eco-oriented travelers can discover such lesser known and authentic aspects of New York State at an extensive online guide to sustainable travel, along with bookable itineraries, at www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/new-york-state/travel-guide.

The initiative, in conjunction with responsibletravel.com, makes New York one of the only U.S. destinations to promote sustainable tourism on such a large scale.

The Responsible Travel Guide to New York State provides an overview of the culture, history and ecology of each of New York’s regions as well as practical information on public transportation, eco-friendly activities and accommodations. An easy-to-navigate format invites eco-oriented travelers to discover many lesser known and authentic aspects of New York State. Equally valuable as a planning tool, the guide links to other useful sites as well as a tour section that is constantly growing with a multitude of click-to-book New York itineraries.

The New York State guide and itineraries were produced in partnership with United-Kingdom-based responsibletravel.com, a leading international travel organization and pioneer in sustainable and responsible tourism.

A separate section of the tour operator’s website features a growing catalog of easy-to-book eco-tourism activities in every region of the state.

The partnership and program reflect Governor Andrew Cuomo’s commitment to increasing tourism throughout New York, conserving the state’s unrivaled natural wonders and supporting local communities.

“This initiative will continue to New York State’s history of pioneering environmentally responsible tourism,” Governor Cuomo said. “From our millions of acres of protected wilderness where New Yorkers can hike or kayak, to our vast network of parklands, New York is truly unmatched when it comes to opportunities for sustainable tourism. On top of all that, these assets support eco-friendly jobs and growth in local communities, and ultimately reinforce the value of preservation.”

Justin Francis, co-founder of responsibletravel.com, said, “We are delighted to be working with New York State to find and celebrate the best examples of responsible tourism. I was staggered by the diversity of experiences we found within the state, and by the contribution these make to conservation and communities. I think our clients will be too. We are thrilled that New York State has decided to turn perhaps the most powerful tourism branding in the world, I Love NY, green to help us launch this guide.”

The guide has been penned by Catherine Mack, an ecotourism expert and writer who has contributed to several ecotourism guidebooks as well as responsible-travel oriented articles for the National Geographic Traveller UK, The Irish Times, and other publications.

New York’s strong commitment to conservation dates back more than a century to the ratification of the “Forever Wild” amendment to the State Constitution in 1894. The amendment mandates that state-owned and acquired forest preserve lands be “forever kept as wild forest lands.” New York’s Adirondack Park, the nation’s largest park outside of Alaska, is bigger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks combined and is just one of the state’s many natural treasures. The original two preserves – the Catskill and Adirondack parks – have since expanded to more than 175 New York State Parks with activities such as fishing, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, kayaking, horseback riding, cultural presentations and historic re-enactments.

For more New York State travel ideas, visit http://iloveny.com/.

See also:

Journey by boat and bike along the Erie Canal: Macedon-Fairport-Pittsford and slideshow

Erie Canal journey by boat, bike: Exploring canaltowns from Pittsford to Albion and slideshow

Erie Canal journey: Albion-Medina bikeride is most scenic, illuminating and slideshow

Erie Canal journey by boat and bike: Palmyra, ‘Queen of Canal Towns’ and slideshow

A gal getaway hiking New York’s Hudson River School Art Trail and slideshow

Getaway on the Hudson River School Art Trail: Thomas Cole National Historic Site and slideshow

Getaway on The Hudson River School Art Trail: Frederick Edwin Church’s Olana and slideshow

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

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Climate Ride Multi-Day Bike Trips Raise Money, Awareness, Advocacy for Sustainability

 On Climate Ride NYC-DC, riders will have a chance to meet with Congress. "Participants say this is one of the most powerful parts of the Climate Ride experience - pedaling your bike right to the US Capitol to advocate for change." © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

On Climate Ride NYC-DC, riders will have a chance to meet with Congress. “Participants say this is one of the most powerful parts of the Climate Ride experience – pedaling your bike right to the US Capitol to advocate for change.” © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Biking is a great way to travel with minimal impact on climate. Now, an organization called Climate Ride, is arranging multi-day biking trips that raise money and awareness to support sustainability, active transportation, and environmental causes.

Climate Ride produces charitable multi-day rides, hikes and a DIY program:  Climate Ride NYC-DC, Climate Ride California, Climate Ride Midwest, Climate Hike and Independent Challenges.

Proceeds from the events benefit a collection of environmental and active transportation non-profits. Participants can choose to direct grants to the non-profit of their choice. (Learn more about beneficiaries and read common questions asked by participants in the FAQ.)

Here are some of the cyling trips still to come this year:

Climate Ride NYC-DC: (Sept. 20 – 24, 2014)

The ride begins in the heart of New York City to the tip of Manhattan where a ferry that will carry us off the island and across New York Harbor to New Jersey.  From there we travel along country roads passing through Princeton, near valley Forge, into Pennsylvania Amish Country, crossing the Susquehanna River into Maryland Horse Country. After a day of pedaling past farms and silos, we reach Maryland horse country. On the fifth day, riders cycle past the iconic Washington Monument to arrive at the U.S. Capitol. A highlight of the ride is that Climate Ride arranges appointments for every rider to personally meet with her/his Congressional representative. It makes a big impression to pedal 300 miles to meet your Member of Congress.

Climate Ride Midwest: (Sept. 6 – 9, 2014)

The Midwest ride spans three states and connects two vibrant cities, while exploring some of the best biking in the country. From the trip start in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we ride past historic lighthouses, blueberry farms, and quaint artist villages. We’ll also visit Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore before pedaling on paved rail-trails to a bicycle path on Lake Michigan that affords stunning views of Chicago’s dramatic skyline. The last 6-mile stretch leads up to Grant Park – know as “Chicago’s Front Yard” – for the ride finale.

Climate Hike: (Aug. 24-28, 2014)

On Climate Hike Glacier National Park, spend five days hiking the iconic trails on the ‘Crown of the Continent’. Witness majestic 500-year old cedar forests under threat of wildfires and glaciers in fast retreat. Over five days of hiking, participants build up stamina for an epic 15-mile journey across the park — traversing aretes and high alpine mountain passes. Professional Glacier Guides each day teach about Glacier’s unique ecosystem, so participants can bring this knowledge home to their communities.

Climate Ride California Wine Country, which took place in May, is likely to be repeated next year. The California Wine Country ride begins in San Francisco where we ride across the scenic Golden Gate Bridge to Marin County. From there we travel through quaint Marin cities and the bucolic Nicasio Valley before turning East toward Petaluma. Riders pedal north from here through pastures and rolling hills into Sonoma County for a picnic lunch right on the Russian River near Healdsburg. Continuing on, the scenic Alexander Valley wine growing region awaits before pedaling up the final hill to the top of the famed Napa Valley, considered some of the best cycling in the US. The final day is an exciting ride across California’s Central Valley, with a stop into bike-friendly Davis and the US Bicycling Hall of Fame, to the Golden State’s Capitol in Sacramento.

The Speaker Series

The Expert Speaker Series: Each evening of the rides, expert speakers educate and inspire participants about sustainability, climate, the green economy, and active transportation. “Our participants and the communities we pass through learn that our government, businesses, and each individual American will benefit from a cleaner, healthier planet. This is a unique event — a fundraiser and green conference on wheels.” Learn more about our speakers here.

Advocacy Meetings with Congressmembers

On Climate Ride NYC-DC, riders will have a chance to meet with Congress. The Climate Ride staff schedules hundreds of appointments for riders to meet in person with their senators and representatives when they arrive by bike in Washington DC at the end of Climate Ride NYC-DC.

“Climate Ride is a non-partisan organization and we do not endorse any particular candidates, politicians, or legislation. We’re helping to create a grassroots force of ‘people-powered’ advocates. Participants say this is one of the most powerful parts of the Climate Ride experience – pedaling your bike right to the US Capitol to advocate for change.”

Independent Challenges:

Can’t make it to Climate Ride this year? Have an idea for a great event that you want to create yourself? Or are you already participating in an event that you want to connect to a cause? Climate Ride has created an Independent Challenge program as a way to raise money and awareness of your favorite Climate Ride beneficiaries, no matter what the event. Events might include rides, swims, runs, hikes, weddings, birthdays, memorials, dinner parties.

Climate Ride was created by Geraldine Carter and Caeli Quinn in 2008. A year later Blake Holiday joined as Ride Director. Together, they have a combined experience of more than 25 years of professional, high-end bike trip leading and development. Their expertise ranges from custom trips in far-flung locales to large-scale charitable events. The three have put together a volunteer staff of professional trip leaders and guides.

“We engage in the Climate Ride events to support a collection of beneficiary organizations that are working to engage citizens in the possibility of a green economy, educate the public about the interconnected web of environmental issues related to the climate crisis, mobilize government and businesses to enact sound energy policies that promote renewables, and raise the profile of green transportation. Your fundraising helps these beneficiaries continue to provide the critical services and education needed to address sustainability and active transportation issues.  Right now, your fundraising and your effort to raise awareness are more critical than ever.

“We can create communities with cleaner air, where we ride bikes, drive efficient cars and live and work in energy-saving, healthy buildings. If you demand it, our legislators and business community will promote clean energy and smarter transportation systems. By joining the Climate Ride events, you can take a step in this direction.

“So ditch your car and join us for a few days of human powered activity—all for a good cause!”

See www.climateride.org

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