The Battle for Growth: The Ski Towns That Resist Change

Examining the dysfunctional elements of ski town culture that hinder progress and growth

In the picturesque mountain towns of the United States, a battle is brewing. While these communities are known for their stunning natural beauty and world-class ski resorts, they are also grappling with a complex set of challenges that threaten their future. Heather Hansman’s book, Powder Days, sheds light on the broken state of modern ski towns, where a clash between environmentalism, nostalgia, and resistance to change has created a toxic mix. This article delves into the dysfunctional elements of ski town culture that hinder progress and growth, showcasing the complexities of these communities and the need for forward-thinking solutions.

The Clash of Ideologies and Stasis over Change

One of the key issues plaguing ski towns is the clash between environmentalists and the need for sustainable development. Many mountain communities are led by environmentalists who champion stasis over change, advocating for open spaces and limited development. However, this approach can have unintended consequences, as seen in the cautionary tale of Telluride. By freezing their physical footprint, the town inadvertently drove up housing prices, making it unaffordable for workers to live in town. The result was a ghostlike atmosphere and the need for a boardinghouse to compensate for the lack of affordable housing. This clash of ideologies highlights the need for mountain towns to embrace renewable energy, transportation solutions, increased density, and managed growth to avoid self-destruction.

The Dilemma of NIMBYism and Unrealistic Expectations

Mountain towns face the challenge of extreme NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard) and unrealistic expectations from their residents. The desire for abundant lodging and housing clashes with the reluctance to change the Victorian-scale footprint of these towns. Residents want roads without crowds, a robust workforce without affordable apartments, and walkability without density. This resistance to change stems from a desire to preserve the idyllic image of the town as an untouched paradise. However, this unwillingness to adapt to demand leaves these communities struggling to meet the needs of their residents.

The Park City Lift Dispute: A Proxy War for Unrelated Grievances

The Park City lift dispute exemplifies the absurdity of the conflicts that can arise in ski towns. Vail Resorts sought to build new chairlifts as part of routine capital projects to improve skier experience. However, a group of residents opposed the upgrades, citing concerns about crowding and traffic. While their concerns may be valid, their activism serves to block incremental solutions and exacerbate the issues they claim to care about. The dispute highlights the need for ski towns like Park City to address the root causes of overcrowding, such as reducing reliance on personal vehicles and investing in transportation infrastructure.

Rethinking the Future of Ski Towns

To ensure the long-term viability of ski towns, a fundamental shift in mindset is necessary. These communities must prioritize reducing the number of vehicles and increasing density. This could involve implementing public transportation systems, expanding the urban core, and building a network of aerial lifts to facilitate movement within the town. Transparency and collaboration between ski resorts and local officials are crucial in reevaluating masterplan agreements and finding innovative solutions to address the challenges of growth. It is essential to move away from a backward-looking, car-centric model and embrace a modern, sustainable vision for ski towns.

Conclusion:

The ski towns of the United States face a complex set of challenges that require innovative solutions and a willingness to adapt. The clash between environmentalism, nostalgia, and resistance to change has hindered progress and growth in these communities. However, by embracing renewable energy, increasing density, and investing in transportation infrastructure, ski towns can pave the way for a sustainable future. It is time for these communities to fight for progress rather than fight against it, ensuring that they remain vibrant and thriving for generations to come.


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