As much as Aspenites love extended days of sunshine, the unusual amount that they have received this year is unnatural and has caused an economic downfall within the community. On top of the delayed start to the ski season, the limited terrain and poor conditions have made it difficult for skiers to enjoy the season.

Aspen Highlands lifts did not begin running until December 16th this season, weeks after their typical opening date. Climate change analysts propose that ski resort towns like Aspen, with a massive investment and economic dependence on snowfall measure, are at great risk of detrimental circumstances due to global warming. Heat-trapping gases are emitted as people power their modern lives affecting the amount of precipitation in certain areas. However, Aspen Ski Area has had similar, snow deficient, ski seasons in the past five decades.

Faulty seasons have occured unpredictably, however scientific evidence proves that the 2017-2018 ski season has been heavily impacted by climate change. The Aspen Ski Company has ample technology to create artificial snow for the four world class ski resort mountains in the area. This process gives Aspen the ability to maintain the high status that inclines its economy, but this method is not sustainable considering the amount of freshwater and power that is used in this operation that is harmful the the environment. The lack of snow is also frustrating for Aspen locals. As Aspen High Nordic team coach, science teacher Travis Moore has experienced the lack of snow as an inconvenience this season.

“As the nordic ski coach it has been difficult. We have had to do much more dryland practice since the trials that we normally ski on don’t have snow on them. We have either had to ski at Panda Peak or drive to Raviter’s pass in Steamboat to train. It’s not putting us at a great disadvantage since everywhere in the state hasn’t been getting much snow either, but it definitely is a challenge. We had a race last weekend and the town of Frisco had to spend $50,000 to make nordic trails for us so this has been hurting the nordic system economically,” said Moore.

In the past ten years public awareness of climate change has risen. Protect Our Winters is an organization formed by professional outdoor athletes and industry brands dedicated to preserving their prized terrain, and committed to focusing on “educational initiatives, political advocacy, and community-based activism.” These actions are not only progressively bringing attention to human destruction of the environment, but also encouraging gratitude for beauty in the natural world. POW is already in association with the Aspen Ski Area, and has every intention to work to keep Aspen, and the rest of the Earth, a beautiful place.

“Right now, we get to help dictate the outcome rather than react to a foregone conclusion. If we sit on our hands for the next two decades, we won’t be worried about powder days, tourism, or having fun. We’ll be worried about the stability of our environment, our jobs, and our economy,” POW explained.

Whether this La Nina season is an effect of climate change, or just another winter with poor ski conditions, hopefully it has helped people to gain perspective on the damaging effects that climate change has on the planet. Ski seasons to come will indicate which separate explanation is most credible. Meanwhile, people can recognize any tendencies of theirs that are hurtful to the environment, and asses how to eliminate those actions.