The last Steep newsletter includes a post on the ski industry having skiers and riders speak up to the policy and decisions makers that would slow down the earth’s warming. This is a follow up to that request prompted by a recent article read and hearing that the leader of the FIS does not believe in climate impact or change.
The article referred to is from the New York Times, published on February 2, 2019, titled Why Can’t Rich People Save Winter, by Porter Fox.
Here are a few quotes from the article which are found to be concerning:
“As for, Protect Our Winter, P.O.W. itself, so far the group has managed to rally support to its cause from only 20 ski resorts and more than a dozen corporate sponsors willing to contribute at least $25,000 each, though dozens more give more than $5,000.”
“In federal and state elections over the last 10 years, many owners and executives at ski resorts, their political action committees and industry trade groups have contributed thousands of dollars to the campaigns of lawmakers who have stood in the way of important climate change legislation.”
“So with experts urging fast action to avoid serious consequences from climate change, where is the snow lobby?”
There is leadership in this arena coming from Auden Schendler of Aspen Skiing Company. He has been addressing this issue for many years. “To make progress against climate change, Auden said, the ski industry and its trade groups need to make climate the No. 1 priority, publicly withdraw support from elected officials who deny climate science, use their marketing power to promote climate action and weigh in at the federal level with direct action, like working to elect candidates.”
There is some good news. Recently a coalition, “Outdoor Business Climate Partnership”, was formed at the recent Outdoor Retailers Show in Denver. It aligns the Outdoor Retailers Association, Snowsports Industry Association, and National Ski Areas Association. From Nick Sargent, the Snowsports Industries president reflects changes at the top of those three organizations. “What we’re hearing now from some of our members is: ‘What can we do? How quickly can we get this up and running?’” he said.
“The real power of the coalition, said Amy Roberts, the executive director of the Outdoor Industry Association, comes from consumers. Last year, 150 million Americans participated in outdoor recreation.” So, somebody agrees with me, the strength the ski industry has is its skiers and riders. Let’s enlist them to join the effort to Save the Snow.
