Bridgton, ME - It seems that these announcements are coming once a week these days. Maine's Shawnee Peak is the latest U.S. ski resort to choose wind to power its electricity needs this winter, joining Aspen/Snowmass and Vail Resorts in Colorado, Crystal Mountain in Michigan, Mt. Ashland in Oregon, and Sugar Bowl in California. Shawnee Peak is the first Maine ski and snowboard area to take the leap into environmental consciousness via 100% wind power.

Shawnee Peak is the longest running ski area in the state. Under this new agreement with wind energy marketer and developer, Community Energy, Inc. (CEI), Shawnee Peak will qualify as an Environmental Protection Agency Green Power Leader.

“Through recycling, responsible water usage and other actions, Shawnee Peak prides itself on limiting its impact on the earth. Our '100% Wind Power' Initiative strengthens our environmental position and helps to ensure that future generations will have a cleaner world in which to live,” said Chet Homer, owner of Shawnee Peak.

As compared to the average energy mix in the electric grid, the environmental benefit of Shawnee Peak's wind energy purchase is equal to offsetting 2.2 million pounds of carbon dioxide – the equivalent of planting more than 150,000 trees, or removing 159 cars from the road, officials say.

“Shawnee Peak’s purchase is the first of its kind in the Maine ski industry. This leadership sends the message that a commitment to the environment and future generations is part of a successful business,” said CEI Executive Vice President, Brent Alderfer. “We are happy to supply Shawnee Peak with clean, renewable energy.”