“Success in advocacy isn’t measured only by outcomes; it’s about showing up, building trust, and consistently pushing for what matters,” said Bonnie Hickey Director of Sustainability at Bridger Bowl, Montana, at the Mountain Towns 2030 Summit in Jackson, WY, where a distinguished panel of ski industry leaders convened to explore the critical role ski resorts play in advocating for climate policies.
Register now for the Mountain Towns 2030 Summit in Breckenridge, CO (Oct 7-8, 2025) to take advantage of advance pricing, which ends on July 11.
Although ski resorts are often located in small mountain towns, they can have a big impact in influencing climate action at local, state and federal levels, even amidst challenges like political resistance and limited resources.
“We need to flex our unique sense of community as mountain towns,” said Mike Nathan, Sustainability Manager at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area in Colorado. “Our outsized influence can drive change far beyond our small populations.”
The panelists emphasized the power of collective action in driving meaningful climate policies in their mountain towns, including:
Clean Fuel Standards Act in New Mexico
Taos Ski Valley played a pivotal role in the passage of New Mexico’s Clean Fuel Standards Act (House Bill 41), signed into law in March 2024. The legislation sets aggressive carbon intensity reduction targets for transportation fuels—20% by 2030 and 30% by 2040—creating a credit-trading marketplace to support the transition to cleaner alternatives. Taos Ski Valley’s leadership, including participation on the state’s advisory committee, was instrumental in building cross-sector support. This victory ensures broader access to renewable diesel and biodiesel in the state, making New Mexico one of only four states to implement such a standard. Learn more.
Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act Endorsement in Montana Bridger Bowl helped unite more than 40 Montana ski areas in endorsing the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (EICDA), a federal policy proposal that would place a carbon fee on fossil fuels and return the revenue to households as dividends. This coordinated effort highlighted how smaller, independent resorts can still have an outsized influence on national climate policy conversations. While the EICDA has not yet been passed, efforts like these underscore the proactive stance many resorts are taking in pushing for climate solutions beyond their immediate operations. More on EICDA.
Local Advocacy and Engagement at Arapahoe Basin Mike Nathan, Sustainability Manager at Arapahoe Basin, emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement. Under his leadership, A-Basin became one of the first ski areas to operate on 100% renewable electricity and is on track to reach carbon neutrality by 2025. The resort actively engages employees and guests through initiatives like carpool incentives, on-site education, and their “Sustainability Sunday” video series. Arapahoe Basin is also STOKE Certified at the Sustainable level—the highest rating available—showcasing its commitment to both environmental action and community integration. Explore A-Basin’s sustainability journey.
The panelists candidly addressed the challenges they’ve encountered. From Montana’s anti-climate legislation to New Mexico’s limited industry influence, ski areas often face uphill battles in conservative states.
Dawn Boulware , Vice President of Social and Environmental Responsibility at Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico, the world’s first B Corporation-certified ski area, shared how financial considerations sometimes clash with environmental values, requiring open dialogue to align priorities.
The discussion underscored the importance of partnerships:
- State and National Collaboration: NSAA’s partnerships with organizations like Ceres and regional state associations have amplified the ski industry’s voice in advocating for federal and state policies.
- Community Engagement: Bridger Bowl and Arapahoe Basin collaborate with local nonprofits and utility boards to drive initiatives like recycling infrastructure and renewable energy.
“Advocacy isn’t just about passing a bill—it’s about building relationships and showing gratitude to legislators for their support,” Boulware said.
Leaders shared advice for others on how to achieve success:
- Start Small, Think Big: Advocacy doesn’t have to be daunting. Partner with experienced organizations, take the first step, and build momentum.
- Tailor Your Message: Understand your audience and frame advocacy efforts in terms of their values—whether it’s water conservation, economic benefits, or community resilience.
- Celebrate Wins: From small victories like securing grant funding to larger policy achievements, every step forward strengthens the foundation for future efforts.
The panelists concluded with a call to action, urging ski areas to leverage their unique positions to lead climate advocacy. Whether by adopting ambitious sustainability goals, collaborating across industries, or engaging with guests and communities, ski resorts have the power to create ripple effects that extend beyond their slopes.
By fostering a culture of sustainability and persistence in advocacy, the ski industry is poised to be a powerful force in driving climate solutions that benefit not just mountain towns, but the planet as a whole.
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Register now for the Mountain Towns 2030 Summit in Breckenridge, CO (Oct 7-8, 2025) to take advantage of advance pricing, which ends on July 11.
