This New Snowcat at Palisades Tahoe Cuts Emissions by 20%

This season, Palisades Tahoe’s snowcat fleet is getting greener with the addition of a diesel-electric PistenBully 600E+.

In a press release, Palisades Tahoe noted the snowcat is up to 20% lower in emissions than other vehicles in its class.

The machine doesn’t only cut emissions, though, the ski resort said. The PistenBully 600E+ has up to 16% more thrust and instant torque, which allows it to push more snow while consuming less energy. According to PistenBully, it produces 20% less noise, too.

Palisades Tahoe’s snowcat fleet now runs on 100% renewable Neste diesel. Neste’s diesel is made from raw materials like used cooking oil and animal fat waste. According to Neste, using the product can cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% or even up to 75%—that’s compared to fossil diesel over the fuel’s life cycle. 

“We’re always looking for ways to operate more efficiently and reduce our environmental footprint,” said Sydney Earley, Palisades Tahoe’s Director of Health, Safety & Sustainability. 

“The PistenBully 600E+ helps us do both, combining cutting-edge technology with responsible mountain operations,” Earley added. Check it out below.

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To measure snow depth, the new PistenBully 600E+ has a SnowSat LiDAR system, which can take depth readings up to 165 feet in front and to the side of the vehicle. Palisades Tahoe lauded the system, saying that it results in less fuel usage and fewer passes over the snow. 

The PistenBully 600E+ has been spotted at other ski resorts in North America. In 2020, Alta Ski Area, Utah, announced that one of the diesel-electric snowcats had joined its fleet.

“The 600E+ is a step towards the future just as we are seeing with electric cars,” said Alta’s Director of Equipment Operations at the time. “It’s a great snowcat and we are happy to have one.” Meanwhile, in 2024, Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico, bought a fully-electric snowcat, the Prinoth HUSKY eMOTION.

While the ski season is already underway in Colorado, Palisades Tahoe fans will have to wait until November 26, 2025, when the ski resort plans to open, conditions permitting.

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