ROLE: environment committee chairThe Far West Ski Association is one of the largest volunteer-run ski organizations in the US. Founded in 1930, it represents over 50,000 members across more than 150 local clubs and 9 regional councils in 12 Western states — a community with a profound and personal stake in the health of the environment they depend on. As Chair of the FWSA Environment Committee, I lead the organization's efforts to turn that stake into action.
The committee's mission is straightforward and essential: encourage development of awareness and programs that educate club and council members about sustaining snow sports through conservation and protection of our environment — and to spread that awareness outward into the homes, communities, and mountains where FWSA members live and recreate.
The FWSA Environment Program pursues that mission through three clear commitments:
Promoting healthy environmental practices to skiers, riders, and snow sports resorts across the Far West region.
Encouraging member clubs and councils to adopt and champion environmentally responsible practices within their own organizations.
Recognizing individual members whose efforts advance a healthier environment in their communities and at their ski areas — through the FWSA Environment Award.
Through these efforts we urge our members to:
Support sustainable practices — encouraging ski resorts to adopt renewable energy, efficient snowmaking, and eco-friendly operations.
Advocate for policy change — engaging local and national policymakers on carbon emissions reduction and sustainable tourism legislation.
Educate and raise awareness — participating in community outreach to inform others about climate change's impact on winter sports and the power of collective action.
2024 FWSA Environmental Award Recipient for authoring "Willow's Second Chance" — a children's book connecting orphan oil and gas well remediation to the future of snow sports, with proceeds supporting the Well Done Foundation's plugging mission.
2025 FWSA Jordan-Reily Award Recipient of FWSA's highest volunteer honor, recognizing exceptional leadership and service to western skiing and snowboarding. Presented in recognition of transformative contributions as Environment Committee Chair and sustained advocacy for climate action across mountain communities.
Climate Change Panels — FWSA National Convention & Virtual Sessions Designed, hosted, and moderated FWSA climate change panels — at the 2025 national convention in Palm Springs and via virtual sessions — featuring leading sustainability voices from NSAA and western ski areas, advancing industry-wide climate education and action.