<article title="March 05, 2004" imageURL="images/press/deervalley_10_med.jpg">
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		<![CDATA[<p><span class="tradeBold">Endangered Species: Skiing</span></p><br>
		<p>At the end of 2003 the United Nations Environmental Program released their report forecasting an increase of temperatures up to 3 degrees Celsius in the next fifty years. Three degrees may seem minimal, but it has an incredible impact on the climate. Thus, the report speculates that the increased temperature would raise “the altitude at which snow can be reliably expected [which would likely] cripple the ski and snowboard industry.”</p><br>
		<p>The threat of global warming and climate change is not new. Throughout the past decade the subject of the environment has become the center topic for many industries, especially the resort community. The message is mixed, some reports suggest that a mini-ice-age is around the corner, another reports that the temperatures are on the rise and yet another predicts the “possible shutdown of the Gulf Stream.” Regardless of the threat the environment remains a focal point in all levels of life.</p><br>
		<p>Europe is already experiencing the repercussions of studies such as the U.N.’s and other reports. Considering that many of the resorts in the Alps have skiing in the higher elevations villages in lower altitudes winter tourism is essential to their survival. Rolf Burki who carried out the research has already reported that many “banks have stopped lending to Swiss ski resorts below 1,500 meters because of concern that the resorts won’t be able to survive unless they invest millions in snowmaking, money they can’t afford.” According to the study European slopes that are currently at 1,200 meters may have to ascend to higher altitudes of 1,500 – 1,800 meters possibly pushing up to 2,000 meters as the snow line. “Rising temperatures also threaten to melt glaciers and permafrost at even higher altitudes, which would make mountains more susceptible to landslides and increase the difficulty and cost of putting in life towers and cable car stations.”</p><br>
		<p>This isn’t just a European issue. The effects have been felt throughout the ski areas of the United States. The problem is that when a good winter falls upon a resort, the environmental issues are overlooked or pushed aside. However, when a poor snow year keeps guests and revenue at bay, the environment takes center stage.</p><br>
		<p>Several resorts are taking steps and joining NSAA (National Ski Area Associations) “sustainable slopes” program. From windmill powered ski lifts to recycling resort communities are taking giant steps. A bigger leap has to occur in the government. An editorial submitted to the Chicago Tribune notes: The package is the same for all of these reports: Show that greenhouse gases are increasing in concentration, claim the planet will warm in response, show that some ecosystem (or ecoindustry) will suffer and demand that we act immediately to stave off the threat…He goes on to suggest…Here is the real dilemma for the ski industry. If we stabilize concentrations of greenhouse gases, we would devastate our economies and no one could afford to ski. Now that is an aggressive assertion. However, it is important to look at sustainable practices that will not take away from business goals while insuring future generational success.</p><br>
		<p>This is not a new topic, and it is something that will be covered, reported and debated time and again. Little steps have large ripples in the long run. Is it really up to us? “In 2001 an international panel of climate experts concluded that there is increasingly strong evidence that most of the global warming observed over the past 50 years is attributable to human activities.” Many resort owners, operators, residents and guests are in fact stewards. Every participant regardless of intention comes to the mountains for essentially that: the mountains. The desire is to escape and return to and relax in nature. The voices and actions of outdoor enthusiasts are the cries that need to be heard from peak to peak. As Emerson beautifully writes: “Your actions thunder so loudly, I cannot hear the words that you speak.”</p><br><br>
		<p>Sources<br>
		<span class="tradeSmallBold">Dr. Robert C., Jr. “Global Warming’s Slippery Slope.”<br>
		Chicago Tribune – “Voice of the People” Saturday, December 13, 2003.<br>
		Stipp, David. “The Pentagon’s Weather Nightmare.” Fortune. Vol. 149, No. 3 February 9, 2004. 101.</span></p>]]>
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