UPDATE: Colorado’s ski resorts are facing an urgent crisis as climate change threatens their very existence. At a rally on January 30, 2026, environmentalists gathered at the Colorado Capitol, pushing for immediate action to combat climate change. Hannah Berman, director of sustainability at Aspen Skiing Co., revealed that Aspen has lost 31 days of winter since 1980, a staggering loss that highlights the industry’s vulnerability.
The implications are severe: not only are the mountain economies at risk, but the lifestyle of resort towns hangs in the balance. Berman emphasized the need for collaboration between ski companies and environmental groups to advocate for policies that accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. “No single company, no sector, no industry can solve climate alone. Our local kids deserve to grow up in a stable, joyful environment,” she stated.
The ski industry, a multibillion-dollar powerhouse, is recognizing climate change as its “most critical issue.” The National Ski Areas Association has called it the sector’s “greatest challenge.” While many resorts are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprints, Berman and other advocates argue that these efforts are insufficient. They insist that public policy advocacy must become a central part of the ski industry’s mission to counteract climate change effectively.
However, some resort owners have been hesitant to engage politically, fearing backlash. Erin Sprague, CEO of Protect Our Winters, noted the industry’s reluctance: “People are afraid to get political. Climate is an issue that has been polarized. But who doesn’t want clean air and more powder days?”
Despite its public commitments, Vail Resorts, valued at $4.7 billion, has not made its advocacy efforts transparent. Repeated requests for interviews regarding their climate policy initiatives went unanswered. Similarly, Alterra Mountain Co. has also remained silent on its role in climate advocacy.
Chris Miller, senior vice president of sustainability at Aspen One, argues that corporate actions alone won’t solve the climate crisis. “We could shut our entire operation down tomorrow, and our planet would still be heading over the cliff,” he warned, stressing the urgent need for systemic change.
The ski industry’s history of environmental activism parallels the broader climate movement. However, experts like Auden Schendler, a long-time sustainability advocate, have concluded that corporate sustainability efforts are not enough. “We need to engage in the issues where policy is made,” he asserted, calling for a more public approach to advocacy.
The Mountain Collaborative for Climate Action, formed by the four largest ski companies in North America, promised to advocate for climate-friendly policies. Yet, it remains unclear if these commitments have been fulfilled. Recent lobbying records show minimal engagement from major players like Vail and Alterra on critical climate legislation.
Meanwhile, poll results indicate overwhelming public support for climate action in Colorado, with 75% of residents backing government initiatives to reduce carbon pollution. Advocacy groups urge ski companies to engage more vigorously in legislative efforts to protect the very environments they depend on.
Mike Nathan, sustainability manager at Arapahoe Basin, highlighted the necessity of advocacy: “It’s our responsibility to be at the forefront of that work.” He pointed out that proactive measures, such as lobbying for stronger regulations and supporting clean energy initiatives, are essential for the ski industry’s future.
As the call for climate action intensifies, ski companies must navigate an increasingly polarized landscape. The future of Colorado’s ski resorts hangs in the balance, and the time for decisive action is now. Stakeholders urge immediate collaboration and advocacy to secure a sustainable future for skiing in the Rockies.
Stay informed on this developing story, as Colorado’s ski industry grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, and find out how local advocates are pushing for meaningful policy changes that could shape the future of winter sports.
