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Ski Bums, Ski Towns, and the Future of Chasing Snow

Julian Powell

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Published in Powder Days: Ski Bums Ski Towns And The Future Of Chasing Snow

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One of the most significant trends in the ski industry in recent years has been the rise of big resorts. These resorts, which often have hundreds of acres of skiable terrain and a wide range of amenities, have become increasingly popular with skiers and snowboarders. This is due in part to the convenience and ease of access that they offer, as well as the variety of terrain and activities that they provide.

The rise of big resorts has had a number of impacts on the ski industry. First, it has led to a concentration of skiers and snowboarders in a few key areas. This has put a strain on the infrastructure of these areas and has also led to increased competition for jobs and housing. Second, the rise of big resorts has made it more difficult for small, independent resorts to compete. These resorts often lack the resources to invest in new infrastructure and amenities, and they are also often at a disadvantage when it comes to marketing and advertising.

Climate change is also having a significant impact on the ski industry. Rising temperatures are causing snowpacks to melt earlier in the season and to be less reliable overall. This is making it more difficult for ski resorts to operate and is also leading to a decline in the number of skiers and snowboarders.

Powder Days: Ski Bums, Ski Towns and the Future of Chasing Snow

by Heather Hansman

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The impact of climate change is particularly acute in low-elevation ski areas. These areas are already seeing significant reductions in snowpack and are at risk of becoming unskiable in the future. As climate change continues, it is likely that more and more ski areas will be forced to close, and the range of skiing and snowboarding opportunities will be diminished.

The demographics of skiers and snowboarders are also changing. The sport is becoming increasingly popular with older adults and with people from diverse backgrounds. This is due in part to the increasing popularity of snowboarding, which is seen as a more accessible and inclusive sport than skiing.

The changing demographics of skiers and snowboarders is having a number of impacts on the ski industry. First, it is leading to a demand for new types of ski resorts and amenities. Older skiers and snowboarders are more likely to be interested in resorts that offer a variety of activities, such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. They are also more likely to be interested in resorts that are located in close proximity to other amenities, such as restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.

Second, the changing demographics of skiers and snowboarders is leading to a need for more diverse and inclusive ski resorts. Ski resorts need to be welcoming to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. They need to offer a variety of terrain and activities that appeal to a wide range of skiers and snowboarders.

The future of skiing and snowboarding is uncertain. Climate change is likely to continue to have a significant impact on the sport, and the changing demographics of skiers and snowboarders is also likely to lead to changes in the industry. However, there are a number of things that can be done to ensure that skiing and snowboarding continue to be popular and accessible for years to come.

First, we need to invest in climate change mitigation and adaptation. We need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and help ski resorts to adapt to the changing climate. This will help to ensure that there will continue to be enough snow for skiing and snowboarding in the future.

Second, we need to make skiing and snowboarding more accessible and inclusive. We need to offer a variety of terrain and activities that appeal to a wide range of skiers and snowboarders. We also need to make sure that ski resorts are welcoming to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Finally, we need to support the ski industry. We need to buy lift tickets, rent equipment, and take lessons. We also need to support ski resorts through our political and financial actions. By ng these things, we can help to ensure that skiing and snowboarding continue to be popular and accessible for years to come.

The world of skiing and snowboarding is changing rapidly. Climate change, the rise of big resorts, and the changing demographics of skiers and snowboarders are all having a profound impact on the sport. However, there are a number of things that can be done to ensure that skiing and snowboarding continue to be popular and accessible for years to come. By investing in climate change mitigation and adaptation, making skiing and snowboarding more accessible and inclusive, and supporting the ski industry, we can help to ensure that the sport continues to thrive in the years to come.

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A group of skiers and snowboarders enjoying a day on the slopes at a ski resort.

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