Ski resorts seek to reduce global warming

LOS ANGELES -- Ski resorts around the country will showcase efforts to increase their use of renewable energy this weekend, as part of a new campaign to combat global warming.

The National Ski Areas Association, which represents more than 300 U.S. ski resorts, says it is taking action because warmer temperatures could devastate the country's ski and snowboarding industry.

"For die-hard skiers and snowboarders, winter is already too short," NSAA President Michael Berry said. "The ski business depends on snow, and we view global warming as a long-term concern."

The association is partnering with the nonprofit National Resources Defense Council to publicize the issue at local resorts. It also plans to work with the NRDC to lobby Congress for more laws favoring renewable energy.

Since 1980, the Earth has experienced 19 of its 20 hottest years on record, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Snow pack levels in the Southwest have been below average since 1999.

And a study published in the January edition of the scientific journal Nature, suggests the drought in the Southwest was a result of global warming, and the warming of the Pacific ocean.

Many scientists believe excess carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping emissions in the atmosphere have caused the increase in temperatures.

President Bush opposes mandatory emission limits but has supported voluntary cuts by industries.

Ski industry leaders say they have yet to feel a major impact on their $3 billion business, but they'd rather not wait until they do.

On Saturday, resorts around the nation will focus on ways to reduce their own emissions.

In California's Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area was to unveil plans to use solar heating for its lift shacks and a pilot project to power mountain vehicles with biodiesel fuel made with recycled corn oil.

In Oregon, Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort planned to sell customers $2 tags that will support electricity produced from renewable energy.

And Gore Mountain Ski Resort, in upstate New York's Adirondacks State Park, will power one of its gondolas with wind energy. About a dozen mountains, including Colorado's Keystone Resort and Vail Mountain Resort, already use wind energy to power some of their lifts and facilities, according to the NSAA.

Reducing U.S. production of greenhouse gases would require wholesale changes in the economy, which relies heavily on coal, oil and gas. But NRDC Climate Center spokesman Jon Coifman called the campaign, an "excellent first step." He said the NSAA will set an example both for winter sports enthusiasts as well as other industries.

"It sends a signal to the broader business community that this matters," he said.