M
ontana is blessed with some of the finest skiing in the na- tion, offering dry, consistent snow and long winters. With fifteen downhill ski areas in Montana (and endless backcountry), there's no lack of opportunity for all levels of skiing, from green runs to double black diamond steeps.
Green is a word with many connotations, from money to envy to environmentally sound business. How well does the ski industry perform when measured against "green" standards? Despite some extremely snowy winters lately, scientists are generally in agreement that climate change will mean warmer temperatures, shorter winters, and ironically, more green (grass) and less of the white stuff. Fortunately, some Montana ski areas are joining in the effort to protect our longest, coldest season.
BY PHIL KNIGHT
The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA, www.nsaa. org) promotes green business practices in the downhill ski industry through their Sustainable Slopes initiative and the "Keep Winter Cool" program. The Yellow- stone Business Partnership mentors area businesses in conservation, community building and eco- nomic sustainable growth. See www.yellowstone- business.com. The Ski Area Citizen's Coalition (SACC, www.skiareacitizens.com) grades ski areas on habitat and watershed protection, climate change response, and environmental practices and polices. Each year SACC assigns a letter grade to most major ski area in the US and some in Canada. Here's the 2011 score- card for Montana.
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DISTINCTLY MONTANA • WINTER 2011
Greening Ski
