FWSA's First Climate Change Panel – What We Learned About the Future of Snow Sports
If you’re a skier or snowboarder, you’ve probably noticed the changes—warmer winters, inconsistent snowfall, and shorter seasons. But climate change isn’t just an abstract threat to winter sports. It’s happening now, and ski areas are taking action.
On February 24, the Far West Ski Association (FWSA) hosted its first Climate Change and the Future of Snow Sports virtual meeting, featuring two key voices in ski industry sustainability: Courtney LaBrie, Director of Sustainability at NSAA, and Nate Collins, Sustainability and Stewardship Coordinator at Bogus Basin.
Key Insights from the Meeting
1. The Ski Industry Takes Climate Change Seriously
The event kicked off with insights from a climate change sentiment survey of the FWSA board, which revealed that:
Over 70% of board members are very concerned about climate change.
Almost all respondents agree that climate change poses a major threat to the future of snow sports.
There’s strong support for policy-driven action and ski industry engagement.
2. NSAA’s Nationwide Initiatives
Courtney LaBrie, director of sustainability for NSAA shared a comprehensive overview of how ski areas are tackling climate change, including:
The Sustainable Slopes program: 220+ ski areas have pledged to adopt sustainable practices.
The Climate Challenge initiative, which helps ski areas track and reduce emissions.
Industry-wide advocacy efforts to support clean energy and regulatory reforms that benefit ski resorts and their surrounding communities.
Courtney provided an overview of NSAA's sustainability initiatives, emphasizing the importance of policy advocacy, emissions reduction programs, and climate resilience strategies. She highlighted the 25-year history of the Sustainable Slopes program, the Climate Challenge initiative, and NSAA’s evolving role in guiding ski areas toward sustainability best practices. She stressed that industry-wide collaboration and innovation are essential in addressing climate change and ensuring the future of snowsports.
The three pillars of the NSAA sustainability program. Here’s a link to the NSAA Sustainability webpage.
3. Bogus Basin’s Local Leadership in Sustainability
Nate Collins, sustainability and stewardship manager at Bogus Basin, ID, demonstrated how one ski area is taking real, measurable steps to reduce its environmental impact:
Investing in sustainable snowmaking, which saved their ski season during a warm, dry start.
Using renewable diesel and electric snowmobiles to cut emissions.
Engaging the community, including running environmental education programs like Snow School.
Nate Collins provided a firsthand look at how Bogus Basin is actively reducing its environmental impact, implementing emissions-reduction strategies such as renewable energy, sustainable snowmaking, electric snowmobiles, and waste reduction initiatives. He highlighted community engagement efforts, including Snow School, an environmental education program that teaches kids about snow science and climate change.
Perhaps the most powerful moment of the presentation came when Nate shared quotes from young Snow School participants who asked:
"Why isn’t anyone doing anything about climate change?"
Their words serve as a reminder of the responsibility we all share in protecting winter sports for future generations.
The next generation gets it. Now it’s on all of us to take action. Here’s a link to the Bogus Basin sustainability web page.
Takeaways
Climate change is already impacting ski areas, with shorter seasons and more erratic snowfall patterns.
Ski areas are implementing real solutions, from energy efficiency to advocacy, but more work is needed.
The ski industry has a responsibility to act, and industry organizations like NSAA and ski areas like Bogus Basin are leading the way.
Education and engagement are crucial—whether through raising awareness, supporting policy efforts, or engaging in sustainability initiatives.
What’s Next?
This session was just the beginning. FWSA will continue hosting discussions on climate action and sustainability in the ski industry, leading up to a major panel discussion at the FWSA Annual Conference in Palm Springs on June 14, 2025.
Stay tuned for more conversations on what ski areas, industry leaders, and passionate skiers can do to ensure that winter sports have a future.
