On Tuesday December 4, we are donating 7% of our sales to Conservation Colorado.
Conservation Colorado is the state’s leading pro-conservation organization. They work to protect the state’s natural resources, public land, air and water quality, and they push sustainability and a large-scale move toward renewable energy. Learn more about their vision for the future here.
As skiers, we’re proud to support their efforts. Here’s why:
Conservation Colorado fights for the future of skiing.
Not outwardly, like Protect Our Winters. But the core mission of Conservation Colorado aligns with skiers’ interests. How?
Based on reports from the EPA, Conservation Colorado estimates that the Colorado ski season will shorten by 10 to 50 percent by 2050. Mountain snowpack in the state has decreased by 20 to 60 percent at many monitoring locations around the state. As ski resorts and their ownership groups grow and grow—and introduce more skiers to the sport—the ski industry keeps humming along. But decreasing snowpack spells an ominous future, one that increased snowmaking power won’t solve.
Conservation Colorado drives policy action that moves away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy. In 2018, the organization helped shut down two coal-fired power plants in Pueblo. Then they helped make Colorado the first interior state to pass Low Emission Vehicle standards for cars and trucks, which will reduce the pollution from tailpipes, help Coloradans breathe easier, and save money for families at the pump, according to strategic communications coordinator Audrey Wheeler. Now they’re pushing for a 100% renewable energy plan for Colorado. These are just a few of the ways they lead the charge against factors that cause warmer temperatures—and deplete snowpack.
Conservation Colorado cares about rural communities.
This year, the group worked to pass the “REACT” bill, which provides coordination and resources for state agencies to assist rural communities. It does so by designating a specific state agency, the Department of Local Affairs, to coordinate economic assistance. This effort helps support rural places facing difficult economic challenges, like a big industry leaving.
Conservation Colorado understands the value of leadership.
Conservation Colorado knows that one of the largest holdups in fighting climate change and preserving winter is leadership. So they push the envelope, both in advocating for policy initiatives and in supporting candidates for office who are committed to a pro-conservation agenda.
Says Wheeler: “We helped elect pro-conservation leaders in the state House, Senate, governor’s office, and Attorney General in the 2018 elections. This means we are set up to pass bold policies to protect our air, land, water, and communities.”
Conservation Colorado wants public lands protected
Part of the organization’s action agenda includes a focus on public lands—both preservation and expansion. As skiers, we recreate on public lands in the backcountry and in resorts that receive permits from public land stewards. We benefit from, and should continue to support, healthy and expansive public lands.
Check out the story behind our Icelantic Nomad 105 Lite custom skis, which benefit Protect Our Winters.
