SUSTAINABLE SLOPE LIGHTING HANDBOOK

2025

$30.00

SUSTAINABLE SLOPE LIGHTING HANDBOOK FOR SUSTAINABLE SLOPE LIGHTING DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION PHILIP GOTTHELF

Table of Contents ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK .............................................................................................................4 OVERVIEW...................................................................................................................................4 SUSTAINABILITY...........................................................................................................................4 OBJECTIVES.................................................................................................................................5 IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR EXISTING LIGHTING ..........................................................6 Do You Really Need to Re-lamp?............................................................................................6 Design Guidelines and Technical Criteria ......................................................................................6 1. Illuminance Criteria ..............................................................................................................6 Minimum Vertical Illuminance: 2 lux (0.2 fc)...............................................................................7 2. Design Considerations ..........................................................................................................7

• Luminaire Aiming:.........................................................................................................7

• Effective Pole Height: ....................................................................................................8 3. Pole Location and Luminaire Aiming ......................................................................................8

• Straight Trail Sections: ..................................................................................................8

• Curved Trail Sections: ...................................................................................................8 4. Understanding Ambient Light and Effective Zero ..................................................................10

• Ambient Light: ............................................................................................................10

• Effective Zero .............................................................................................................10 5. Technical Elements for Event Lighting ..................................................................................11

• FIS Guidelines: ...........................................................................................................11

• Athlete and Broadcast Needs:.....................................................................................12 6. Sustainable Lighting Technologies .......................................................................................14 LED Technology .........................................................................................................................15 Unique Snow Venue Conditions ..............................................................................................15 Environmental and End-of-Lifecycle Issues .............................................................................15 Diving deeper into LED technology ..........................................................................................18 MIL - Magnetic Induction Technology ..........................................................................................19 Diving Deeper into magnetic induction lighting technology ...................................................20

Environmental Compliance and Dark Sky Standards................................................................21 Snow-Bright™: A Dark Sky-Compliant Solution - .......................................................................22 Case Studies: Successful Dark Sky Compliance ......................................................................23 Snow King, Jackson Hole, WY ..............................................................................................23 Snowy Range, Laramie, WY..................................................................................................24 Steamboat Springs Ski Resort, CO .......................................................................................24 Mt. Peter, Warwick, NY ........................................................................................................24 Implementation Strategies .........................................................................................................25 Economic Considerations and Incentives................................................................................25 Energy Savings and Incentives.................................................................................................29 Data You Will Need .................................................................................................................29 Peak Demand and In-Rush Charges ........................................................................................30 Power Quality Benefits and Longevity ......................................................................................30 Summary of Economic Benefits ..............................................................................................31 Carbon Footprint and Credits/Incentives .................................................................................31 NSAA Golden Eagle Awards and Sustainable Slopes Grant Program......................................32 Rebate Summary and Confirmation .....................................................................................34 UNIQUE SNOW SPORTS VENUE LIGHTING APPLICATIONS..........................................................34 TUBING PARKS....................................................................................................................34 HALFPIPES ............................................................................................................................. 36 JUMPS ................................................................................................................................37 RACING – SLALOM AND SUPER G........................................................................................39 MOGULS ............................................................................................................................40 Installation Considerations ........................................................................................................43 Infrastructure – ....................................................................................................................... 43 Metal – Wood – Concrete – Composite.................................................................................44 Electrical................................................................................................................................ 44 Risk Mitigation ...........................................................................................................................45 Accidents ...........................................................................................................................46 Eye damage ........................................................................................................................46 Environmental Impact .........................................................................................................46 Light pollution or intrusion...................................................................................................46 Health ................................................................................................................................47

ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS ..................................................................................................48 The Model ..............................................................................................................................48 Nighttime Targeted Programs ..................................................................................................53 SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................53 NOTES: ..................................................................................................................................54

ABOUT THIS HANDBOOK Snow sports venues have very particular lighting requirements that must match specific applications. This Handbook provides general guidelines as well as specific illumination objectives. It can be used by mountain operations managers, general managers, racing and freestyle staff, slope designers, lift maintenance managers, sustainability managers, efficiency managers, or anyone who may be involved in slope lighting decisions. New lighting technologies like light emitting diodes (LEDs) or modernized magnetic induction lights (MIL) have only been recently introduced. It is important to have a comprehensive understanding of pertinent concepts from sustainability to Dark Sky compliance and human vision. Effective slope illumination goes far beyond energy efficiency considerations. OVERVIEW Slope illumination is increasingly essential for maintaining viable revenue models. Mountain venues are a 24-hours by 365 day proposition that can include recreational activities beyond night skiing and riding like mountain biking, hiking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and even more esoteric activities like hang-gliding and wing-suiting. It can even include hosting special events like weddings. Slope lighting standards established in the 1960s were based only upon skiing and involved two standards: 1) recreational, and 2) competitive. For recreational skiing, the goal was to balance the minimum light required for safety against the cost of required infrastructure. Competition standards were based upon minimum light levels needed to activate video equipment that used vidicon tubes requiring levels of 6 to 8 foot-candles (fc) or 60 to 80 lux. Traditional slope lighting uses metal halide, mercury vapor, or sodium vapor fixtures. These technologies are not energy efficient by today’s standards. With concerns over climate change, new energy efficiency objectives have become a priority. The ubiquitous nature of light emitting diodes (LEDs) offers high-efficiency alternatives to traditional slope and venue lighting. However, LEDs have substantial drawbacks discovered with increasing deployment. These include premature failure, excessive glare, high-frequency flicker, potential high disposal costs, inappropriate spectral bias, propensity to freeze over with snow and ice, and even health issues. To meet sustainability objectives, technology must be environmentally neutral as well as energy efficient and long-lasting. For slope lighting, the technology must meet visual acuity requirements for recreational and competition applications. SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability, as championed by the first Earth Day in 1970, emphasized the elimination of the "Five Ps" of pollution: soil, water, air, light , and noise. In the context of slope lighting, foundational principles remain urgent and relevant. Light pollution, in particular, has emerged as a critical concern for both the environment and neighboring communities.

Sustainability in modern slope lighting integrates pollution mitigation with climate- conscious strategies: reducing carbon footprints through energy-efficient technologies, minimizing landfill contributions via long-lasting lighting systems, and encouraging resource conservation through product "thrifting" and lifecycle planning. There are four conditions requiring evaluation: 1) replacing existing lighting with more sustainable lighting, 2) installing night illumination for the first time, 3) reviving previously installed lighting infrastructure, and 4) capital constraints. Thus, true sustainability in slope lighting demands a holistic approach that gives equal priority to pollution reduction, climate goals, economic viability, and long-term resource stewardship. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of sustainable slope lighting is to achieve optimal illumination that ensures skier safety and enhances visual acuity, particularly in the complex optical environment of snow. Once that is met, equally important secondary objectives include: • Application specific illumination; i.e. A) beginner, intermediate, advanced, B) competitive or recreational, C) Alpine, freestyle terrain park (moguls or obstacles) , motocross, D) aerial – jumps (normal hill or large hill), E) Nordic • Environmental assessment; i.e., A) Location – isolated or near residential properties, B) state of national parkland or forest C) wildlife impact and endangered species • Minimizing light output (potential light pollution) and associated electrical consumption without compromising visibility, (see “visually effective lumens “) • Reducing peak energy demand to lower operational costs and avoid utility demand charges • Complying with Dark Sky guidelines to mitigate light pollution and its effects on wildlife and neighboring communities • Prioritizing lighting systems with extended lifespans to limit maintenance and landfill contributions • Avoiding technologies (high-intensity discharge lamps like metal halide, halogen, high-pressure/low-pressure sodium, or even LEDs) that cause glare, flicker, and visual distortion on snow • Designing lighting infrastructure tailored to slope geometry to avoid wasted light, unnecessary mounting infrastructure and excessive pole height that can cause too much projection.

By combining performance, efficiency, and environmental stewardship, the project aims to set a benchmark for responsible and future-ready ski slope lighting.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR EXISTING LIGHTING Do You Really Need to Re-lamp? If you are operating with existing metal halide, high pressure sodium, or even LEDs, you may be able to lower costs by changing the way your lighting is implemented. These technologies are associated with high in-rush current ; the electricity required to turn on. In-rush current affects your entire electricity bill by increasing “demand charges” imposed by most utilities. In some cases, you can reduce the impact of in-rush by staggering the way fixtures are turned on. There are also capacitor discharge systems that can “shunt” electrical spikes. See section on energy for more details. Design Guidelines and Technical Criteria Proper lighting is essential for night skiing/riding safety, performance, and enjoyment. This section provides comprehensive guidelines and technical criteria for designing sustainable slope lighting systems that ensure optimal visibility while minimizing environmental impact. By integrating standards from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), Illuminating Engineering Society (IES), Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), we gain insights on ambient light management, and advanced lighting technologies. This handbook is written to provide a benchmark for energy-efficient, visually effective, and ecologically responsible slope illumination. 1. Illuminance Criteria Illuminance, measured in lux (or foot-candles in the U.S., where 1 fc ≈ 10.76 lux), refers to the amount of light falling on a surface. For ski slopes, emphasis is generally on vertical illuminance —the light striking a vertical plane facing up the slope— which is critical for skier visibility. The following criteria, based on the IESNA RP-6-01 standard developed with the NSAA, apply to recreational skiing :

• Maintained Average Vertical Illuminance: 5 lux (0.5 fc)

Minimum Vertical Illuminance: 2 lux (0.2 fc) Using these guidelines, measurements should be taken at a 1.0-meter (~3-foot) elevation with the light meter pointing up the slope. For competition and event lighting , higher levels are required, as outlined in the Technical Elements for Event Lighting subsection. These levels ensure safe skiing and riding while minimizing energy use and glare, aligning with sustainability goals. Understand that half a footcandle is a very low level; yet, snow’s unique reflectivity provides sufficient visual acuity at these levels using a white light color temperature (Kelvin temperature). Uniformity… meaning consistent light levels from pole-to-pole, becomes a more important criteria to avoid eye adjustments from light-to-dark between poles. 2. Design Considerations Effective slope lighting must address unique challenges of snow-covered environments, including variable weather, reflective surfaces, and slope topography. The following considerations ensure functionality and sustainability: • Illuminance Uniformity : A uniformity ratio (average to minimum illuminance) of 3:1 or less is recommended to avoid overly dark or bright spots that could disorient skiers/riders. Semi-directional lighting enhances visibility by providing shading and modeling, helping skiers discern terrain features. Excessive uniformity can flatten perception, reducing safety. • Weather Conditions: In foggy or snowy conditions, increase the minimum vertical illuminance by 3 lux (0.3 fc) to compensate for light scattering and reduced visibility. This adjustment maintains safety without excessive energy consumption. • Field Measurements : Measure light levels during clear weather and a new moon with typical snow cover to account for snow’s reflectivity, which can amplify illumination. This ensures accurate design and minimizes over-lighting. • Luminaire Aiming: NSAA recommendations are for aiming luminaires downhill, aligning with the skier’s direction of travel. This assumes high intensity lighting sources such as high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps and LEDs. Lighting specifically designed for slope applications, like magnetic induction fixtures that can be aimed uphill to remove forward shadowing, came after NSAA recommendations were originally introduced. This is particularly important for competition racing, freestyle, halfpipe, and jumps. (See specific sections on these applications.) Adjustments must be made using LEDs for slope curvature and gradient to minimize "white-out" (overly bright, flat lighting) and glare. Proper aiming enhances terrain visibility and reduces light pollution. There is technology specifically designed for slope illumination based upon low-glare magnetic

induction lamps. For example, Snow-Bright™ automatically spreads light into slope contours. • Effective Pole Height: Calculate effective pole height by adding pole height above snow, snow depth, and vertical differential between poles. Poles should be at least 25 feet (7.6 meters ) above the snow surface to ensure coverage while optimizing pole spacing for energy efficiency. Consideration should be given to expected annual snow accumulation that can impact pole height above the surface. There are companies like Musco® Lighting that recommend and supply ski area lighting using high-intensity LEDs mounted on high poles measuring 60 feet (18.28 meters) or more. This allows the LED beam to spread over a wider area. This approach can flood an area beyond the intended targeted slopes. The result can be too much light encroachment. Generally, this type of design is more suitable for stadium and field illumination. 3. Pole Location and Luminaire Aiming Strategic pole placement and luminaire aiming achieve uniform light distribution, reduce infrastructure needs, and limit environmental impact: • Straight Trail Sections: Single-sided lighting can be used for narrow trails to save on infrastructure (wiring and pole installation), however bilateral lighting on both sides is best, particularly for wider trails. • Curved Trail Sections: Poles should be located to maintain continuous coverage around bends, with luminaires aimed to uniformly illuminate a skier’s path. The illustrations provided by NSAA for conventional lamps and LEDs are:

These configurations seek to optimize light coverage while reducing the pole count, lowering costs and environmental footprint. ( NOTE: Snow-Bright™ magnetic induction fixtures can be aimed across as well as uphill to eliminate forward shadowing which can be dangerous . If the mountain already has LEDs, reference section on this technology. See Technical Elements for Event Lighting section .) Equally advantageous, aiming fixtures uphill increases pole utility, often reducing pole locations. Consider the illustration using multidirectional lamping to achieve more versatility and consistent illumination.

In addition to pole mountings, most ski lift towers can be used for fixture mounting. The ski lift manufacturer must be contacted with fixture

specifications to determine if they can be safely installed. In most cases, the towers will need to be fitted with “bull horn” pipe fittings to accommodate “slip-fitter” brackets. The lift manufacturer will determine how brackets should be mounted. This is usually with through-bolts and other removable attachments. Welding is not usually recommended.

Make sure the bull horn orientation is correct for the specific fixture mounts. Common positions are vertical and horizontal; facing the sky, or parallel to the slope. These positions facilitate focusing at various angles. Since pole installation can be expensive, any existing infrastructure that can be used to mount lighting should be investigated. This includes buildings and structures like sheds. For example, lighting can be installed at the entrance and exit of chair lifts to illuminate boarding and exiting.

Aiming luminaires is a mounting function. Many arears are subject to high winds ranging above 100mph. This requires careful consideration of the lamp’s structural strength and capacity of mounts that can include U-brackets, slip-fitters, flat-mounts, and other configurations. Check for wind ratings if available and try to see a sample.

These are general slope guidelines that do not pertain to specialty lighting situations like terrain parks, mogul runs, jumps, halfpipes, and even aerial slopes. These applications will be reviewed in later sections . 4. Understanding Ambient Light and Effective Zero Sustainable lighting design must account for natural and artificial ambient light to avoid over-illumination and reduce energy waste: • Ambient Light: Natural sources, like moonlight, can provide up to 0.3 lux on snow-covered mountains, amplified by snow’s high reflectivity. Artificial sources, such as nearby streetlights, also contribute. • Effective Zero : In photometric studies, "effective zero" occurs when artificial light’s impact drops below 0.25 lux, blending with ambient levels. Designers should minimize artificial output in areas where ambient light suffices, reducing energy use and light pollution. In addition to natural ambient light, accurate photometric

studies may indicate the effects of surrounding artificial light sources such as street lighting or neighboring buildings. The combined impact of natural and ambient light will almost always be greater than 0.2 lux. This means that the effective range of a light source becomes zero when expected reflected levels drop to approximately 0.25 lux or less. This is generally referred to as “effective zero” since it is impossible to attain an

absolute reading of zero. When a 0.0 reading is displayed on a photometric layout, it usually means the area is beyond the data scope . Therefore, no reading is generated by the computer model. In residential areas, readings below 1.0 lux are considered ambient light. This implies that there is no net increase in light being generated by an artificial source, even if the specific light source like a street lamp is visible. Leveraging snow’s reflectivity allows lower artificial light levels , enhancing sustainability without compromising visibility.

5. Technical Elements for Event Lighting Event lighting must balance athletic performance and broadcast quality , exceeding recreational standards. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) guideline of 80 lux is outdated and insufficiently detailed .

• FIS Guidelines: The 80 lux standard, based on old television vidicon tube technology, was developed more than half a century before 2025 and overlooks modern CCD camera capabilities. It lacks specifications for color temperature, color rendition index (CRI), glare, and spectral

balance which are critical for visibility and video or even film. It also does not consider snow’s unique reflectivity. To be sure, FIS attempts to set forth reasonable lighting expectations based upon the era when developed. As seen below, specifications contained in sections 655 FIS guidelines remain in effect as of 2025 as follows:

o 655 Competitions under Artificial Light o 655.1 Competitions under artificial lights are permitted . o 655.2 Lighting must meet the following specifications:

▪ 655.2.1 The light level anywhere on the course must not be less than 80 Lux, measured parallel to the surface. The lighting should be as uniform as possible. ( NOTE: there is no specification for height from the parallel snow surface or definition for uniformity; i.e., lux differentials over the course.) ▪ 655.2.2 Floodlights must be placed so that the light does not alter the topography of the course. The light must enable the competitor to discern the terrain and must not alter the depth perception or definition. ( NOTE: light does not alter topology, only its perception. Depth perception can be negatively impacted by the strobe effect of high-intensity LEDs.) ▪ 655.2.3 The lights should not cast the competitor's shadow into the racing line and should not blind the competitor by glare. ( NOTE: high-intensity lights cannot be oriented facing uphill because the glare will blind the athlete. When facing downhill, high-intensity lights will cast a shadow in front of the competitor.) ▪ 655.3 The TD (“Technical Delegates“) together with the Jury must check in advance that the lighting conforms to the rules. ▪ 655.4 The TD must submit a supplementary report on the quality of the lighting.

The good news is that FIS allows the TD to override 655.2.1 through 655.4 if the review of the course is deemed acceptable for safety and performance. As of 2025, these standards remained in place without sustainability considerations . • Athlete and Broadcast Needs: Lighting must provide glare-free, consistent illumination for athletes’ depth perception and terrain comprehension. For video, a high CRI (>0.90) and balanced spectrum (450–650 nm) ensure accurate color rendition in conjunction with white balance. ( IMPORTANT : Do you need broadcast quality lighting? Unless your venue intends to host events that will be professionally filmed (videoed) or aired on television and/or high-resolution internet sites, there is no reason to design for such purposes. Today’s cell phone cameras can achieve excellent resolution for personal videos and photos under recreational slope lighting levels.) The 80 lux guideline was written for a conventional light meter measuring photopic lighting from any source. These measurements include ultraviolet and near-ultraviolet light as well as infrared that cannot be seen by the human eye . The result is that a typical measurement of 80 lux for a hot metal halide fixture may contain only 60% to 70% of usable light that falls into the effective range of human vision. The ratio of various

wavelengths within the spectrum determines how well the eye can detect color, contrast, and even depth perception. Visually effective lumens (VELs) as a criterion for snow venue lighting is critically important because unbalanced high intensity lighting can seriously distort the visual perception of the snow surface and interfere with the

eye’s focusing mechanism. Technical reasons for this include pupil dilation, lighting angle relative to the field of vision, and slope angle. In a research paper addressing the reaction of the human eye in the dark by H. S. Gradle, M.D; Walter Ackerman, B.S. published by JAMA back in 1932, the following conclusions were reported: The reaction time of the normal pupil was established by cinematographic means . Briefly, it was found that when light is flashed on a normal eye that is accommodated for the dark, there occurs a latent period of 0.1875 second before the pupil begins to contract. Then there follows a rapid primary contraction for 0.4365 second at the rate of 5.48 mm. per second. This is succeeded by a secondary contraction of 0.3125 second at the slower rate of 1.34 mm. per second. Emphasis is added to “cinematographic means” because virtually all lighting standards for filming were derived from early studies. For example, the typical movie camera filmed at 24 frames per second (fps). This is the slowest rate that can provide reasonably smooth visual frame transition while saving the most amount of physical film. Today, physical film is not a consideration and has no bearing upon video. Even now, video standards tend to fall within the same film guidelines to save on memory requirements. Unless there is a slow motion

function, the frame rate is between 23.97fps and 30fps. The conscious visual frame rate of the human eye is somewhere between 60fps and 100fps. Subliminal detection can be as fast as 1/1,000 th of a second. Race car drivers and fighter pilots have been tested using a strobe light to arrive at these results. Ski and snowboard athletes fall within the same visually elite categories. For example, a freestyle mogul skier must judge distance, contour, horizontal angle, speed, and vertical depth, simultaneously. A slalom skier must visually compute distance, snow contour, horizontal angle of attack, vertical depth, speed, pole color, snow markings… all while achieving maximum speed and maintaining stability. New Olympic events like freestyle aerial jumping inject incredibly complex visual challenges that require different lighting considerations for the approach, the ramp, air hang time, and the landing. In addition to the competitor, lighting must provide the maximum visual experience for judges while meeting technical specifications for new video recording equipment. Unfortunately, very little attention has been paid to technical aspects of night time event lighting as evidenced by the entire FIS §655 inclusive. When the television standard was originally conceived, freestyle skiing and snowboarding didn’t exist, nor the half-pipe, aerial jumps, motor cross, and mogul competitions. Speeds were slower and even artificial snow-making and grooming lacked today’s sophistication. The primary importance is athlete safety and performance . Lighting must provide maximum visual acuity for the least capital and operating cost. Thus, light quality should be combined with energy efficiency to accomplish the ultimate goal. Today’s video camera technology can resolve images in less than 1 lux. Color rendering can be clear at 5 lux or less than half a foot candle. The more important elements of television lighting are color temperature, spectral balance, consistency, and stability.

Having uneven lighting that spot measures at 80 lux will not provide good video results if the intensity is uneven or there is spectral bias that distorts the image color. A spectrum balanced for video at an intensity of only 10 lux can produce better results than a conventional metal halide lamp that provides 80 lux. As the chart illustrates, conventional metal

halide and mercury arc lamps produce spectral concentrations in the ultraviolet range at 365nm, 405nm, and 436nm. More than 30% of the spectral balance is outside the eye’s most sensitive visual range. As it happens, video cameras are designed to accentuate wavelengths within the visually effective range. There is a significant spectral void from 450nm to 535nm, which is right in the middle of human visual acuity and the preferred range of modern video equipment. Given the expense of developing snow sports professional competition venues, it is highly advisable to consult a design firm with specific ski resort design experience specializing in slopes, terrain parks, and jumps. Resources include the National Ski Area Association

vendor members, Ski Area Management (SAM), and Snow-Ops Magazine. Ensure that the design firm has expertise in snow venue lighting with access to photometric design software. 6. Sustainable Lighting Technologies Sustainable slope lighting prioritizes energy efficiency, durability/longevity, minimal environmental impact, and economic viability. If the resort is using metal halide or high pressure sodium lamps, certain measures can be taken to keep this lighting infrastructure viable within many sustainable parameters. As mentioned, energy savings related to demand charges (in-rush current) can be lowered using staggered activation, capacitor discharge start-up current, load shunts, and pulse-start ballasts. These measures can increase longevity, lower energy bills, modestly decrease operating electricity, and lower impacts on landfill through extended lifecycles. IMPORTANT: Make sure consideration is given to “grandfathering” regarding lighting upgrades. If the municipality, state, National Forest Service, National Park Service, or Federal government agencies have implemented light pollution ordinances (Dark Sky compliance), upgrading lighting will likely 1) lose grandfather status , and 2) require adherence to regulations. Any required approvals should be gotten in advance of moving forward with a lighting upgrade. Equally important are regulations and fees regarding lamp disposal. See section on disposal requirements. Given the major emphasis upon energy efficiency and climate change, technologies like traditional HID lamps (e.g., metal halide, high-pressure sodium, mercury vapor, halogen) are being phased out . In many cases, bulbs and ballasts are no longer being manufactured for obsolete lighting brands. This forces mountain operators/managers to seek rebuilt or used parts that are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. Thus, old technologies are no longer sustainable from a practical as well as environmental standpoint. This leaves two technologies capable of snow venue illumination: 1) LEDs, and 2) magnetic induction lights (MILs). It is worth noting that only one U.S. lighting brand is marketed as “specifically designed to meet the unique requirements for snow sports venues.” It is branded Snow-Bright™ which is manufactured by Tesla Induction Lighting Co; formerly Ultra-Tech™ Lighting, LLC. This product was introduced in 2012 and remained available as of 2025. In Europe, the Arctic Beam LED fixture is sold as a snow sports venue floodlight. Unfortunately, the offering does not accommodate U.S. or Canadian electricity at 60/Hz. A review of the Arctic Beam specifications as of 2025 reveals the use of a standard LED form factor of either 4,000K or 5,000K color temperature and a color rendition index (CRI) of 70. No U.S./Canada models appear to be available. For the purpose of evaluating sustainability and compatibility, two technologies will be reviewed.

LED Technology Most widely known for energy efficiency , LEDs have become the universal standard for modern high-intensity artificial lighting. LEDs are ubiquitous to the extent that other lighting has effectively been displaced (incandescent, fluorescent, metal halide, high and low-pressure sodium, mercury vapor, halogen). Frequently, LEDs are the only technology under consideration because few people are aware of alternatives like magnetic induction lighting . This is one of the most compelling arguments favoring LEDs when re-lamping or for a first-time installation. There are literally dozens, if not hundreds of brands. However, it is important to know that LED technology is still being developed, and is advancing to overcome serious problems and deficiencies. This rapid evolution represents risk as models are constantly being improved and changed. Often, it is impossible to replace LED fixtures with the original installation model because of rapid development and deployment of new revisions. Some early LED adopters have ended up with a hodgepodge of mismatched lamps because brands have disappeared along with designs, parts, and support. A majority of high-intensity LED floods suitable for wet and cold environments are sealed units that cannot be serviced . If such an LED unit fails, it must be completely replaced. Unique Snow Venue Conditions One of the most remarkable LED features is the lack of heat at the lamp face; diode

lighting elements. This is one reason LEDs can be so energy efficient. However, this lack of heat on the lamp face has been a serious problem for many ski areas because they can freeze over with accumulated snow and ice . Since the lighting elements are sensitive, snow and ice cannot be removed mechanically; i.e., chipped or scraped off. Even the use of an industrial shrink-wrap dryer is not recommended because heat can damage the

seal between the lamp face and containment vessel. Very large and significant LED projects such as traffic light replacement unexpectantly encountered this problem. Several ski areas have encountered the same problem. Keep in mind that a driving snowstorm can coat LEDs, rendering them ineffective. Environmental and End-of-Lifecycle Issues With the rapidly increasing LED installed base, particular issues present major challenges for sustainability and cost-effective implementation . From an environmental perspective, LEDs are often not considered sustainable due to toxic components and a lack of recyclability. This is being addressed by states and

municipalities that implemented disposal and recycling fee schedules . Consider the following material available through an artificial intelligence ( AI) web search : The emergence of disposal charges for LED fixtures is a recent but growing issue , driven by increasing awareness of the hazardous materials and complexity of end-of-life (EoL) LED recycling. This particularly pertains to states like California; however, other states are adopting similar regulations. Many LED users are now being told that removing failed LED fixtures will incur a significant disposal cost— often ranging from $50–$500 per fixture depending on size, location, and service provider—due to a combination of regulatory, logistical, and material factors. While LEDs are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than traditional lighting (reducing replacement frequency), their end-of-life management is complicated by electronics, potential hazardous components, and strict e-waste laws. It's best not to be surprised by this possibility. Exposure stems from the following timeline and policy evolution: When Did This Happen? ~2019–2023: Growing Regulatory Attention • EU members and U.S. states began classifying some LED drivers and chips as e- waste , especially due to:

o Electronic components (PCBs, capacitors) o Lead s older o Rare earth phosphors o Plastic/metal bonded parts (difficult to disassemble)

California, under the DTSC (Department of Toxic Substances Control) , increased scrutiny over electronic lighting waste. What can you do in California or a similar state ? o LED boards are often considered Universal Waste under California Title 22. o Generators (like UCSC) are responsible for compliant handling and recycling .

2023–2024: Enforcement Begins

• CalRecycle, DTSC, and e-waste haulers started charging per-fixture or per-pound disposal fees. • LED fixtures now require processing by certified e-waste handlers. • Landfilling is prohibited in California for e-waste; fines apply for noncompliance.

Why Are Disposal Charges High Now?

1. Labor-intensive dismantling : LEDs are integrated assemblies (not bulbs + fixtures). 2. Hazardous components :

o Some drivers contain brominated flame retardants or lead solder .

o Certain phosphors used in high-CRI or specialty LEDs are rare-earth based and require special handling. 3. Low resale/recovery value : Unlike copper-heavy MH ballasts or aluminum reflectors, most LED parts lack salvage value . What Can You Do? Short-Term: 1. Classify as Universal Waste and work with certified e-waste recyclers (some offer lower university or bulk rates). 2. Request cost-sharing or take-back from the original vendor: o California SB 20 (e-waste law) and extended producer responsibility (EPR) discussions may allow leverage. o Ask if the manufacturer participates in a voluntary take-back program . 3. Document early failure as a breach of warranty and seek compensation or warranty-based replacement—including disposal cost reimbursement. Medium-Term: 4. Negotiate with waste handlers :

o Large-volume clients can request a reduced or capped fee per fixture .

o Combine fixture removal with other e-waste to lower cost per unit.

5. Contact CalRecycle or DTSC in California or similar agencies in other states such as the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or Department of Environmental Control (DEC) : o Ask if your venue qualifies for institutional exemptions or pilot program waivers . o Consider submitting for a small waste generator reduction if volumes are low; less than 20 fixtures.

Real-World Precedents

• San Diego Unified School District encountered LED disposal issues during lighting upgrades. Disposal costs exceeded installation costs by several multiples requiring exceptional budget revisions. • Santa Monica City bundled old LED removals into a separate recycling contract to save 40% in fees after discovering removal charges would exceed the lighting maintenance budget. • Some end users successfully obtained vendor-funded removal under performance contracts when early failures occurred. Diving deeper into LED technology

Key Positive Features:

o Consumes up to 75% less operating electricity than incandescent bulbs, converting more electricity into light rather than heat. This can reduce electricity bills and supports sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint. o High-quality LEDs can last 25,000–50,000 hours or more, far outpacing incandescent (1,000 hours) or high intensity discharge (HID) (5,000 hours) minimizing replacement needs in hard-to-reach outdoor locations. o Lower energy use and longer life translate into significant long-term savings—often 50–80% on operating costs—despite possible higher upfront prices. o Substantial offerings from many vendors provides cost competitive environment for lowering capital expenditure. o High lumen output can be 100 to 150 lumens per watt (lpw) to provide more light per fixture. o Long range projection allows for lighting longer distances. o Controllable for on/off, dimming, and color changing flexibility o Most popular lighting technology that’s more universally known

Key Deficiencies:

o High glare – cannot be aimed across or uphill. o Downhill orientation creates dangerous forward shadowing. o High flicker rate causes “strobe effect” which distorts depth and speed perception. o Strobe effect is known to cause headaches and even “strobe epilepsy.” o Can freeze over, becoming inoperable. o High blue spectrum bias has been linked to health hazards.

o Contains toxic compounds that cannot be easily recycled. o Often fails to meet Dark Sky (light pollution) guidelines and ordinances. o High in-rush current that can adversely affect electricity demand charges. o Low Power Factor (PF) can increase demand charges. o Known to have premature failure rates associated with turning purple, blinking on and off, individual diode burnout, and ballast (driver) overloads.

Consideration should be given to toxic compounds in all LEDs that include: • Aluminum gallium indium phosphide (AllnGaP) - "toxic" • Aluminum phosphide (AllaP) - "highly toxic"

• Indium Gallium Nitride (InGaN)- "toxic" • Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) - "highly toxic" • Aluminum Gallium Arsenide (AlGaAs) - "highly toxic"

Safer States published its Analysis of State Legislation Addressing Toxic Chemicals and Plastics on February 8, 2024. Overall, at least 36 states will consider more than 450 bills on toxic chemical and plastics related policies. The analysis further finds that banning “forever chemicals” will continue to dominate beyond 2024, with at least 35 states introducing policies. Other significant legislation anticipated beyond 2024 will address toxic plastics, safe drinking water, and hazardous chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products. Regulations could be instituted at the Federal level through the EPA. If LEDs are already widely deployed, there are ways to address some of the issues as seen in later sections. MIL - Magnetic Induction Technology This system is based upon magnetic induction lighting (MIL) invented by renowned Nikola Tesla, father of alternating current (AC). Unlike conventional lighting that uses filaments, Tesla’s “tubes” circulate energy with opposing magnets without the need for pressurization or a vacuum. When introduced at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, Tesla called his MIL the “Forever Bulb,” boasting an almost indefinite lifecycle. Ironically, MIL technology was never fully embraced as commercially feasible because of its longevity and energy efficiency. The goal at the time when distributed power (the grid) was being developed was to consume as much electricity as possible with bulbs that needed frequent replacement. Because MIL was invented in the 1890s, most lighting consultants and engineers believe it is ”old technology,” or even “obsolete.” These opinions stem from a lack of understanding. Several well-known companies have MIL offerings, but not for snow sports venues. These include Osram Sylvania (Icetron® Quicktronic® System) and Philips (OL System). These were limited offerings as of 2025. Brands are marketed on the basis of extreme longevity exceeding 100,000 hours. Ultra-Tech™ Lighting, which is now Tesla Induction Lighting™,

introduced modernized MIL in 2009 under application-specific tradenames like Port- Bright™ for marine applications and Tennis-Bright™ for tennis courts. Snow-Bright™ floods were introduced in 2012 at Mount Peter in Warwick, New York and Steamboat Springs Ski Resort in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2013 . Snow-Bright™ is marketed as scientifically designed for snow sports venues, using a balanced spectrum (450–720 nm) optimized for snow , with a CRI of 0.95 and color temperature ~6,500K. A 300-watt fixture replaces a 1,000-watt metal halide or 1,500-watt high pressure sodium, cutting energy use by over 85% . This has been verified by several resorts that replaced 1,000-watt metal halide and/or high pressure sodium with 300-watt Snow-Bright™. Marketing material describes the product as non-flicker, low-glare, energy efficient, and fully recyclable. The goal is to be sustainable and environmentally friendly while addressing unique lighting requirements such as freezing temperatures, high winds, snow- making and snow-preserving chemicals, Dark Sky compliance, wildlife compatibility, and cost savings. These claims can be verified through the internet. MIL uses solid mercury amalgam as compared with fluorescent bulbs that contain dispersed mercury. The amalgam encapsulates mercury in an inert form to avoid environmental contamination if bulbs break or are thrown away. Snow-Bright™ electronics pass component RoHS-2 certification; the latest as of 2025. Mercury content adheres to the strict standards of the European Union (EU). Tesla Induction Lighting has adopted “cradle-to-grave” manufacturing for all products to ensure 100% recyclability. Diving Deeper Into MIL Technology

Key Positive Features:

High energy efficiency.

o Little to no in-rush current with high power factor (PF) limits demand charges o Concentrates spectrum within the visually effective range of human vision known as “visually effective lumens” or “pupil lumens,” to use less intensity while achieving better visual acuity. o Eliminates flicker and glare using nano-particle diffusion. o Real world 100,000 hour lifecycle equals 11 years, operating 24 hours X 365 days; reducing maintenance and recycling waste. o Maintains 90% of lumen output over 90% of service life. o Reduces light pollution with adjustable Vari-Beam® technology. o Dark Sky compliant under most rules, regulations, and guidelines. o Features “constructive wavelength interference” to eliminate dark spots and facilitate wider pole spacing, less infrastructure. o Generates sufficient heat to shed snow and ice… won’t freeze over like LEDs. o Is fully recyclable

Key Deficiencies:

o Does not cast light long distances as a result of Dark Sky compliance design. o May require lighting from two sides of wider slopes. o Fewer manufacturers and vendors. o Unfamiliar technology or associated with being old and obsolete. o May be considered more expensive compared with generic LED floods. Case Studies: Ski areas like Steamboat Springs and Mt. Peter report >85% energy savings and improved visibility with Snow-Bright™ MIL fixtures. Designers and mountain managers should assess various sustainable options, selecting technologies that align with slope-specific needs and sustainability goals.

• Before-and-after comparison of Holiday Mountain, New York with HPS (right) vs. Snow-Bright™ (left), showing improved uniformity and clarity. Originally, orange monochromatic color makes snow appear flat with less contrast. This also interferes with color rendition. Although lower color temperatures may be recommended for general public lighting like streets, it

is not appropriate for athletic applications that include snow sports venues, playing fields, golf driving ranges, tennis/pickle ball courts, outdoor basketball courts, and more.

By integrating these guidelines and technologies, ski areas can achieve sustainable slope lighting that ensures safety, enhances performance, and minimizes environmental impact. Consult lighting professionals experienced in sustainable design to tailor solutions to specific slopes. Make sure any lighting consultant is fully familiar with MIL. Environmental Compliance and Dark Sky Standards Light pollution, a critical environmental concern since the inception of the dark-sky movement in the 1950s , significantly impacts ecosystems, human health, and the visibility of stars in the sky. For “ski areas,” achieving Dark Sky compliance is increasingly vital due to stringent regulations aimed at preserving natural nighttime environments. These regulations, driven by organizations like the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), focus on minimizing glare, light trespass, and skyglow to protect wildlife, reduce energy waste, and maintain community aesthetics. Ski slope lighting, historically reliant on high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps like metal halide (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS), often fails to

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