The most prominent topic in Public Affairs is area development, which covers ski area expansion and enhancement, proposed new areas, and the preservation of potential areas for future skiing. Action in this arena affects all skiers; has long-term implications; requires unified regional action; involves the ski industry with us; and can be exasperatingly tedious and drawn-out, as well as very costly.
Generally, the Association must deal with county, city and even state governments, the US Forest Service, community organizations, area operators, and an ever-changing spectrum of organizations interested in protection of the environment. We maintain an active network of "issue watchers" in strategic areas of the western states. There are currently several expansion issues we are keeping close watch on and we have been aggressively involved in letter writing campaigns to ensure "the Voice of the Western Skier" is heard as an even handed proponent for rational development.
FWSA has also endorsed the NSAA Environmental Charter and Sustainable Slopes Program.
Every year, millions of people visit ski areas across North America to enjoy snow sports and to experience the natural beauty of the mountain environment. These visitors place a high priority on environmental concerns. In order to continue to offer quality recreational experiences that complement the natural and aesthetic qualities that draw these visitors to the mountains, NSAA and its member resorts have committed to improving environmental performance in ski area operations and management. This commitment is detailed in the NSAA Sustainable Slopes Environmental Charter for Ski Areas.
The Environmental Charter promotes sound environmental stewardship and, more importantly, offers a comprehensive set of 21 Environmental Principles that enable ski area operators to make sustainable use of natural resources. The Principles cover the following topics:
- Planning, Design, and Construction
- Water Use for Snowmaking
- Water Use in Facilities
- Water Use for Landscaping and Summer Activities
- Water Quality Management
- Wastewater Management
- Energy Use for Facilities
- Energy Use for Snowmaking
- Energy Use for Lifts
- Energy Use for Vehicle Fleets
- Waste Reduction
- Product Re-use
- Recycling
- Potentially Hazardous Wastes
- Fish and Wildlife Management
- Forest and Vegetative Management
- Wetlands and Riparian Areas
- Air Quality
- Visual Quality
- Transportation
- Education and Outreach
Understanding that ski areas have some unavoidable impacts, the Principles encourage ski areas to adopt the "avoid, minimize, mitigate" approach to natural resource management.
To see the Charter and its Principles in their entirety, visit the NSAA web site at www.nsaa.org.
