The Sierra Files

A resorts goal is to change the environment of an area to better favor the skiers and snowboarders that frequent them. This involves a myriad of different methods to better equip the terrain for our planks. From run clearing to construction as well as blowing snow most of these things have a detrimental effect on the environment. Large clearings create "hot spots" through out the mountain. Removal of the over-story increase temperatures and degrades soil quality directly below. The higher temps in these micro hot-spots go hand in hand with having to blow more snow to keep ample coverage, which brings with it even more issues. Large scale snow production causes higher amounts of snow pack build up than what would occur naturally in areas

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