snowguy7's Blog

I just finished writing a paper on the environmental effects of resorts and it is pretty crazy for the worse.
Snowboarding and skiing are great recreational sports, but just like everything in the world, they do have effects on the environment which I thought was important for everyone to know:

# n fact, winter sports and recreational tourism have very significant negative environmental and cultural impacts. All these things disturb the natural environment.

# Most downhill skiing takes place on prepared slopes. This involves removing trees and grading the land into suitable runs. In addition, pylons and structures for ski lifts must be installed.

# Due to global warming, snow has become less reliable at lower altitudes and the use of artificial snowmaking has increased. Snowmaking is a water- and energy-intensive process. In some cases, chemicals are added to ensure the formation of snow crystals.

# Similarly, global warming is forcing ski areas to use higher altitudes that are more ecologically sensitive, even glacier areas which are receding due to warming.

# Litter carelessly tossed from lifts or dropped on ski runs does not readily degrade. It takes five years for a cigarette butt to disintegrate.

# Wildlife is disturbed by the initial construction and nightly maintenance of ski trails, and by the daytime skier population.

# Ski resort tourism does create a significant amount of seasonal employment. However, much of this employment is in the form of low-skilled low-paying jobs that exceed the size of the local workforce. As a result, there is an influx of outside workers with the attendant challenges to housing and social support.

# The cultural landscape of mountain villages is changed by absentee ownership and part-time occupation of local properties and by a large number of tourists.


I'm no Hippie, but knowledge is power!