Bromley Introduces ‘SuperDuper’ Package for Kids; Start Fun, Start Free events; Massive Snowmaking Upgrades

Bromley has a variety of terrain that will satisfy everyone from first-timers to those looking for an adrenaline rush © 2014 Dave Leiberman/news-photos-features.com

Bromley Mountain, Vermont, is removing the cost factor from that tricky trial period of learning to ski & snowboard. 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.

Snowmaking Efficiency Upgrades – More SNOW! This winter season, Bromley 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.

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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Students Worldwide to ‘Fly Ideas’ for Greener Flight, €30,000 Prize in Airbus Competition

University students worldwide can shape the future of flight and win €30,000 (about $44,000) in a global competition launched today by Airbus at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.

The Airbus Fly Your Ideas (FYI) competition challenges students worldwide to develop new ideas for a greener aviation industry. The biennial contest involves three progressively challenging rounds judged by a panel of Airbus and industry experts. It concludes with a final at next summer’s International Paris Airshow – Le Bourget, France. The winners will share the top prize of € 30,000; the runners-up €15,000 (about $22,000).

Announcing the launch of FYI 2011, Charles Champion, Airbus Executive Vice President Engineering and FYI patron, said: “Fly Your Ideas is a unique opportunity for students to be part of Airbus’ vision for an eco-efficient aviation industry of the future. The competition is designed to stimulate ideas for both a more connected and sustainable world. It also enables Airbus to engage with students and research teams to identify R&T opportunities to balance the increased demand for air travel with a better environment.”

Students of any age, nationality, gender or discipline – from engineering to marketing; business to science; philosophy to design – are invited to take part. Proposals are welcome on all aspects of the ‘Environmental Life Cycle’ – an innovative approach Airbus uses to improve the environmental performance of an aircraft and its production process. It consists of five stages: design; supply chain; manufacturing; aircraft operations and aircraft end-of-life.

FYI 2011 follows the success of the inaugural contest launched in October 2008. Some 2,350 students from over 80 countries took part with the multinational team COz from the University of Queensland, Australia, judged eventual winners at Le Bourget 2009. Their project focused on the use of a pioneering natural fibre composite – made from castor plants – in aircraft cabins.

Benjamin Lindenberger (27), who was part of the FYI 2009 winning team “COz”, added: “Winning the FYI challenge 2009 was a great experience. But the opportunity to work with Airbus experts, gain industry insight and develop transferable skills was just as valuable.”

To enter FYI 2011 students must register as a team of three to five members on the competition website by 30 November 2010. For further information and to register visit: www.airbus-fyi.com

Registration closes November 30, 2010. Project proposals must be submitted by December 10, 2010. Those shortlisted for Round 2 will develop their ideas into more detailed submissions with support from Airbus staff. Five finalist teams will win a VIP trip to Paris in June 2011 and make presentations to an independent jury – including industry experts – who will announce their decision at the FYI 2011 awards ceremony.