Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is gearing up to take delivery of the three 122 foot long blades that will spin Jiminy’s new 378-ft. wind turbine - the first ever for a North American ski area. When the turbine comes on line it will generate 1.5 megawatts of energy - about 1/3 of the total electricity consumption of the resort and will be a major addition to Jiminy's environmental efforts.

Being the first windmill dedicated to a resort’s green power efforts it’s only right the wind machine have a fitting name. Recently, Jiminy's president and CEO Brian Fairbank, announced that after a month long, public contest to submit names the turbine will be christened "Zephyr" on dedication day, August 15, 2007.

July 11th is the day currently scheduled for the blades and the hub of the turbine to be placed at the top of the tower. This is the most impressive part of the construction process to watch and Jiminy is inviting the public to attend. The event is scheduled to take place at 10:00 am but because this process requires good weather be sure to check the web site if you plan on attending.

Jiminy Peak’s Country Inn is offering a special Zephyr Package for the night of July 10th. The package is $169 per night and includes 2 tickets with your stay to board the Berkshire Express to watch the blades being lifted. Should the weather not cooperate the package date will be rolled over. Call a Jiminy Peak reservation agent today at (800) 882-8859 to reserve your stay.

Jiminy Peak has invested $3.9 million in this project and will surely be the recipient of industry awards and accolades and deserves every one. Many resorts are committed to energy conservation, waste management, water reclamation projects and have signed on to "Sustainable Slopes: The Environmental Charter for Ski Areas." To find if your favorite resort is going green search the National Ski Area Association’s (NSSA) database of ski area environmental programs and practices.

If you wonder what we skiers can do that might help halt global warming take a look at this web site dedicated to posting ways we can preserve the sport we love – "In addition to supporting environmental initiatives, everyone of us can make a difference by living green and encouraging others to do so." Please - check it out.