Gwyn Howat and John Rice Headline FWSA Climate Panel

The Caldor Fire as it reached the Sierra-at-Tahoe ski area 8.29.21.
Credit: USFS Webcam / SnowBrains

(Immediate Release) — The Far West Ski Association (FWSA) is proud to announce a virtual panel discussion exploring sustainability and climate resilience in the snowsports industry, featuring two of the industry's most respected leaders: Gwyn Howat, CEO of Mt. Baker Ski Area, and John Rice, President of Ski California and former General Manager of Sierra-at-Tahoe. The event will be held via Google Meetings on Tuesday, September 9 at 6:00 PM Pacific Time and is open to FWSA members, ski industry professionals, and sustainability advocates.

The panel, hosted by the FWSA Environmental Committee, will showcase two remarkable case studies of climate leadership:

• Mt. Baker’s Journey to Sustainability
  Gwyn Howat will highlight Mt. Baker’s aggressive and innovative strategies to reduce its carbon footprint, including power system overhauls, water conservation, and community-focused environmental partnerships. The ski area’s collaboration with forward-thinking vendors—such as Biohabitats, which recycles human waste into fertilizer—is helping set a bold example for independent resorts everywhere.

• Wildfire Resilience and Recovery at Sierra-at-Tahoe
  John Rice will reflect on the Caldor Fire’s devastating impact on Sierra-at-Tahoe in 2021, the comprehensive steps taken to protect and rebuild the resort, and how that experience now informs his leadership at Ski California. As wildfires continue to threaten mountain communities, Rice is helping guide statewide policy and action to increase wildfire preparedness and resilience across California’s ski resorts.

“This is one of the most compelling conversations we’ve ever hosted,” said Dave Tragethon, FWSA Environmental Committee Chair. “Gwyn and John are not only exceptional leaders—they represent two ends of the climate challenge our industry is facing: mitigation and adaptation. Their stories and strategies will resonate with anyone who cares about the future of skiing.”

Event Details:
📅 Tuesday, September 9, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM Pacific Time
📍 Video call link: https://meet.google.com/dqr-gvjp-piq

Registration is free, but space is limited.

About Far West Ski Association

Founded in 1930, FWSA is a volunteer, nonprofit organization representing over 50,000 snow sports enthusiasts through affiliated clubs and councils across the western United States. The FWSA Environmental Committee leads efforts to promote sustainable practices in the industry and inspire club members to be climate advocates.

For more information about FWSA’s environmental initiatives, visit www.fwsa.org.