Snow Place Like Home

By Keira Rider

Climate change, the long-term shift in the weather patterns and global temperatures, is no longer a distant issue. It is an imminent threat. Climate change has a very real effect on the ski industry. Resorts do as much as they can to combat climate change, but some of the responsibility must fall on the community. There is a lot that individuals can do to lessen their impact on the environment and help fight against climate change.

In McCall there are many resources available that allow the community to lessen their impact on the environment while still having fun recreating in the winter. Some great resources that already exist at Brundage are:

• The Bluebird Express – A shuttle system to and from McCall and Brundage. Click here for more information about the routes and schedules.
• Water fill stations in the new Mountain Adventure Center allow you to buy a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics.
• The Brundage Tune Shop uses eco-friendly ski wax every time they tune up your gear which helps keep PFAS out of the environment.

There is also a lot that can be done outside of the infrastructure that already exists. Some really good options are:

• • Carpooling to the mountain
  • Avoiding idling in the parking lot
  • Shopping second-hand and donating old gear. Locally, The Sports Exchange and local thrift stores are great places to donate and shop!
  • Investing in quality long lasting gear that won’t quickly end up in a landfill
  • Shop from sustainable brands like Rossingnol, Picture, Heli Hansen, Patagonia, Burton, WNDR Alpine, and many more!
  • Don’t Litter! Pack your trash out, especially when in the backcountry.
  • Use eco-friendly wax when tuning your own gear.
  • Ski and recreate responsibly
  • Be mindful not to wreck the snowpack preseason
  • Be mindful of plant life! Don’t purposely cut or kill plant life.

Most importantly, encourage others to do their part as well! If everyone does a few small things every day to lessen their environmental impact it will have a massive influence in the battle against climate change!

If you would like to learn more about the ski industry and climate change, visit Protect Our Winters (P.O.W.) to learn more about how you can help mitigate the impacts of climate change on our winter snowpack.