Page 40 - 71187_NSAA_FallJournal2016
P. 40
informative and fun learning experience and are led by experi-
enced naturalists from the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation.
The Foundation has similar programs at Snowbird, Brighton,
and Solitude ski resorts—all that last approximately 45 min-
utes and focus on Cottonwood Canyon’s geology, history, win-
ter ecology, watershed, wildlife, and more.
“We have found that our skiers not only have a passion for
our mountain but are also dedicated to the environment and
the overall sustainability of the Alta experience,” said Connie
Marshall, the resort’s director of marketing and PR. “Our Alta
Environmental Center’s programming is fueled by that passion.”
THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH IN COLORADO One of the highlights of Alta’s naturalist tour is the chance to spot elusive birds in their habitat.
In Colorado, Vail Mountain offers many options to learn
about the local trees and the region’s overall ecology. A pop- COURTESY ALTA SKI AREA
ular example is the free “Ski With Smokey” program held
at the Nature Discovery Center in the Walking Mountains free one-hour guided snowshoe tour through the forests atop
Yurt at the top of Vail’s Eagle Bahn Gondola. The star of the Vail Mountain. Participants learn about winter ecology and
program, Smokey Bear, puts on skis every Wednesday from animal adaptations during these day and evening outings.
mid-December through early April to spread his wildfire Snowshoes are provided, and the daily tours are offered from
prevention message to protect the trees. All participants must 2 to 3 p.m.; the evening tours are from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
have a valid ski pass in order to ride the gondola. Thursday through Saturday.
The Nature Discovery Center offers many other At Colorado’s Keystone Ski Resort, nature programs
on-mountain educational opportunities as well, including a include a free one-hour guided “Ski with a Ranger” tour
each Friday from December through March (lift ticket
FAMILY PASS 2013-14 Plastic required). Keystone partners with the US Forest Service and
Cards the Friends of Dillon Ranger District, utilizing volunteer
rangers to guide skiers and snowboarders down an interme-
diate trail on Dercum Mountain. Each tour follows the nat-
uralist guide through several planned stops to learn about
the lifecycle of the mountain pine beetle, tree types and
identification, local wildlife, avalanche awareness, resort
environmental programs, and local history.
2013-14 BEING A TOUR GUIDE
There are numerous other ski areas that offer naturalist programs,
and many are regarded as among the most important programs
offered. Whether modest or full-fledged, these initiatives are a
wonderful opportunity to focus on the fascinating environmental
nuances that make each ski area unique, which can only deepen
the guest’s connection with the slopes year-round.
POOL PASS To learn more about developing or expanding a naturalist program at
your ski area, contact your local US Forest Service office. Also avail-
able to help is Sean B. Wetterberg, Forest Service Winter Sports Program
Manager, swetterberg@fs.fed.us/801-975-3793 and the “find a Forest or
Grassland” tool at www.fs.fed.us.
1.800.822.9539 John Brice founded Snow Sports PR in 2009 and has been honored by the
www.thecawleyco.com states of Utah and California with Best PR Campaign awards. Contact
John at John@SnowSportsPR.com.
38 | NSAA JOURNAL | FALL 2016
