Headwaters & Hometowns – Collaborating on Climate Resilience in Mountain Towns and Ski Areas

Mountain towns and ski areas have a unique relationship \u2013 connected by a deep reliance on natural systems. Ski areas often sit up-stream from mountain communities \u2013 both physically, at the headwaters of our watersheds; and economically, creating employment opportunities and bringing in visitors from across the nation and around the world. This session explores how communities and ski areas can work together to steward forests, watersheds, habitat while strengthening resilience to a changing climate. From wildfire mitigation to wastewater treatment and water conservation, we\u2019ll hear from ski area representatives and highlight real-world examples of collaborative approaches that align ecological health and climate resilience with long-term economic sustainability. We\u2019ll also review tools and resources that both ski areas and mountain towns can use to understand, evaluate, and mitigate climate change vulnerability

From the Mountain Towns 2030 Climate Summit in Breckenridge, CO, Octobewr 2025.

Guests:

Imogen Ainsworth (Lead Sustainability Analyst, Brendle Group, Moderator)
Kristin Blackler (Sustainability Director, Bridger Bowl)
Mike Nathan (Sustainability Manager, Arapahoe Basin)