Unraveling the Complexities of Mountain Communities and Their Struggle for Growth
Ski towns, once seen as idyllic havens of untouched paradise, are facing a crisis. The modern ski town is plagued by a dysfunctional culture that impedes growth and progress. While corporate consolidation is often blamed for the decline of these communities, the reality is far more nuanced. In her book Powder Days, author Heather Hansman delves into the underlying issues that have led to the stagnation of ski towns in the United States. Hansman uncovers a complex web of factors, including a resistance to change, a fixation on preserving an outdated image, and a clash between environmentalism and development. This article explores the key insights from Hansman’s book and examines the challenges faced by ski towns in their quest for sustainable growth.
The Struggle Against Sustainable Changes
Mountain communities are often led by environmentalists from a bygone era, whose resistance to change hinders the development of their hometowns. These communities champion stasis over change, prioritizing open space over density and viewing development as evil. However, this mindset can have detrimental effects on the local economy. Hansman highlights the cautionary tale of Telluride, where freezing the physical footprint led to skyrocketing housing prices, an exodus of workers, and a ghostlike atmosphere. The key to saving these towns lies in accepting that they will inevitably change and managing growth and development accordingly.
The Paradox of NIMBYism in Aspen
Aspen, known for its luxurious ski resorts, is a prime example of the paradoxical demands placed on ski towns. The community desires abundant lodging and housing but is reluctant to expand beyond its Victorian-scale footprint. It wants roads without the accompanying crowds, a robust workforce without affordable housing, and walkability without density. This extreme NIMBYism and Shangri-La syndrome stem from a desire to preserve the town’s old image as an untouched paradise. However, this resistance to change leaves Aspen struggling to meet the demands of its residents and maintain a livable environment for locals.
The Battle Over Park City Lift Upgrades
The recent dispute over lift upgrades in Park City sheds light on the absurdities of ski town politics. Vail Resorts sought to build new chairlifts to improve skier experience and alleviate congestion. However, a group of local residents appealed the approval, leading to a prolonged legal battle. The activists argued that the resort’s calculations of its Comfortable Carrying Capacity (CCC) and parking requirements needed scrutiny. While the concerns raised by the activists have some merit, their activism ultimately obstructs incremental solutions and exacerbates the very issues they claim to care about.
The Need for a Paradigm Shift in Park City
Park City, home to multiple ski areas, is grappling with overcrowding and traffic issues. The town’s reliance on personal vehicles and the sprawling nature of its built environment are major contributors to the problem. To secure a sustainable future as a ski town, Park City must prioritize reducing the number of vehicles in the community. This requires investing in alternative transportation options such as trains, expanding the urban core, and creating a network of aerial lifts. Embracing a more efficient and modern approach to transportation infrastructure is crucial for Park City to evolve into a world-class ski town.
Conclusion:
Ski towns across the United States are at a crossroads. The dysfunction within their cultures, from resistance to change to a fixation on preserving an outdated image, threatens their very existence. To ensure their survival and prosperity, ski towns must confront the challenges head-on. Embracing sustainable changes, managing growth, and reimagining transportation infrastructure are essential steps towards creating vibrant, thriving communities. The battle for change is not an easy one, but it is necessary for ski towns to adapt to the demands of the modern world and secure their place in the future of skiing.
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