Introduction
In the winter prevalent nation, skiing is a sport as well as a leisure activity for many. This activity is favored by the snowy conditions, in particular on the continent of the extremes of the tropics. According to (SkiCanada.org, 2013), skiing is a sport that takes place by sliding down the snow covered mountains using fixed metallic rods to facilitate sliding. However, with the rapidly changing climate, the world is paying the price of the global warming. This, therefore, poses a challenge to the ancient skiing activities as the amount of snow keeps on decreasing at alarming rates. The decreasing levels of snow in skiing areas, calls for stern actions that will ensure the activity is not handicapped by any means. Recreational activities are important for all human beings and therefore, there should be a strategy to make sure that there is no single sporting activity that is going to be hindered by the climate. In this paper, therefore, it will seek to address proposals that may be considered in ensuring there is continued sporting especially on skiing.
Research Guide
Skiing as both a sporting activity and also as a leisure activity has been there since ancient times. However, modern skiing dates its origin from the periods of the Scandinavia around 600bc (Marquand, 2006). It was practiced for leisure in the past, but later became a sporting activity. Every sporting activity involves instances of affecting the environment as researched by the United Nations. Based on the importance of these sporting activities and also leisure considerations should be made. This is to say that a solution should be identified to resolve this worrying issue of reducing snow.
Environmental protection
One of the proposals that would be beneficial in saving the ski areas will have to consider on the issue of minimizing pollutions in the globe. The problem of global warming is leading to high temperatures in the world. Main issue leading to global warming is increased carbon gas and therefore there is a lot that can be done to take care of it. Lots of activities are taking place in the world every single minute in which these gases are released. Other pollutants such as the greenhouse gases and agricultural chemicals known as aerosols are also being produced. Ski areas also contribute to global warming through the release of aerosols, which are harmful to the environment. They also use petroleum and its products to either make artificial snow or for the lifts to ferry people up the mountain from where they ski. During petroleum combustion, gases are produced which, when released to the atmosphere are harmful. One of the gases generated is carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas that leads to the destruction of the ozone layer. Together, all these pollutants have led to global warming, which has various dangerous effects, especially in ski areas.
One of the effects is the melting of snow in this areas. As global warming occurs, the temperature rise, causing snow to melt. Carbon dioxide released in ski areas also contributes to the melting of snow. It forms some kind of blanket in the earth’s upper atmosphere. All heat emitted from the earth is thus trapped below the blanket layer, making the temperatures in the area increase. High temperatures encourage the melting of ice which is dangerous is ski areas as people go there due to the ice. Without ice, skiing cannot happen.
A pollution to this problem will be to plant trees in several regions of the world and also embracing of the same by the ski regions. Specifically, this activity of planting more trees in the ski areas would be a good idea if implemented in Colorado. It is the home to so many famous and best resorts that offer the skiing activity in the United States of America. Some of the best skiing resorts in the area are Echo Mountain Park, Durango Mountain Resort, Beaver Creek, Keystone among others. Planting more trees in Colorado would help with absorption of the carbon dioxide gas that is emitted in the region. It would help to ensure that no blanket forms in the upper atmosphere to trap heat from the earth. As a result, the snow would not melt, and skiing activity would continue without much interruption from the environment or atmosphere. Through the planting of trees, there is an improvement as they take up the carbon gases while they give out oxygen.
According to the (Steamboat ski resort 2016), such an initiative has proved to be beneficial. It is also through this that the resort has partnered with United States forest service’s so as to improve the forest covers in the regions. By also ensuring that also production of carbon gas is reduced to great levels. Advice from environmental experts has held it that through recycling of manufactured products, pollution can reduce greatly. As also, increased use of machines is affecting the environment; individuals may save ski regions from reducing levels of snow by encouraging minimal activities. In general, habits that cut on wastage and other power expenses are effective. A balance of the ecosystem, therefore, will prove to be productive in resolving the issue. Tourist also should consider on other means of transport that minimize exhaust gases such as embracing the use of public transportation. The fewer the number of vehicles the less the amount of gas emitted. It will be a major milestone in saving the ski regions as well as other tourist sites dependent on the natural environment. It is therefore to say that, protect the environment and it shall repay back with its beautiful nature.
Tree planting, however, it is not a new idea, it has been practiced severally in the past. Trees are crucial in the environment, and thus, there is no specific time or duration that they may also be planted, tree planting does not require much of one’s efforts as they need not much attention after planting. However, it is important to encourage often tree planting in all the regions of the globe. It ensures that continued care for the environment is undertaken. As shown by (Sugarbush Resort, 2016), caring for nature is an important idea. They have also partnered with U.S forest service in conserving the Green Mountain National Forest. Studies have it that if every individual undertakes the initiative of conservation, then great result will be realized. Everyone should put into concern saving the usage of power even in their homes. Each and every drop of water is important for environmental conservation. In the case that the artificial snow is required; ski areas should work on investing in the use of modern machines that create this snow. An example of an organization that has considered an improvement of their technology is the Vermont ski, where they introduced the new technology of snowmaking. As a result, they improved their savings by 2 million dollars annually (Hawks, 2015).
The implementation of any proposal always faces challenges due to contradicting views among different people. However, this should not be the case with the saving of tourism in several areas of the world while at the same time ensuring that ski activities are not affected in the winter countries. Significant achievements should be realized through first planting of trees. It should be the responsibility of the ski regions and also, an inquiry by other government agencies in facilitating this. Non-governmental organization and help from individuals should be sought. Since the changing of the technology initially used by artificial snow maker will be costly, considerations should be made to invite partners who will be explained about the importance of the so proposed idea.
Limitations in the implementation of the proposal
However, with all the advantages, challenges are not left behind in the implementation stage of the proposals. It thus takes the effort of individuals and the concerned parties in the suggestion to ensure there are achievements realized. The common challenge that is almost in every implementation process is inadequate capital. As noted by (Loomis & Walsh, 1997), is that every decision is faced with economic challenges for its implementation. Therefore, it should be taken with caution so as to ensure that such kind of challenges does not become hindrances to advancement. The other challenge is the lack of support from the government. The government may not be willing to support a particular move, and this may lead to it not being achieved. Government laws might also be the hindrance to the achievements of the proposed plans.
Recommendations
It is recommendable that before any organization to make a certain move, they should be a committee to evaluate the viability of the plans. Prior planning is recommended as it prevents frustrations for the failure of the objectives. Time should be used in appointing an oversight committee to ensure the project runs as per the expectation while also they give feedback on the progress.
Evaluation of the cost to be incurred in the project is also important. Ski organizations should first identify the kind of improvement that they wish to implement. They should go ahead to research the possibility and cost of the implementation. For example, tree planting can be expensive. A lot of capital is put into purchasing the tree as well as hiring labour to plant the tree and take care of them till they are grown. There should be enough capital to ensure that the activity is undertaken.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the findings are that each and every individual has a role to play in ensuring global warming is reduced. Ski resorts such as those in Colorado also have a role to play in global warming. They should plant a tree so as to absorb the shock that comes with global warming. Planting tree absorbs greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. One global warming is reduced. Snow in these areas will not melt, and skiing activity will continue forever.
Works Cited
HARRIS, T. (2016). How Stuff Works Adventure. Retrieved April 09, 2016, from http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/snow-sports/snow-maker6.htm
Hawks, T. (2015). The Great Snow Gun Roundup. NSAA Journal: CONVENTION ISSUES, 34-40.
Loomis, J. B., & Walsh, R. G. (1997). Recreation Economic Decisions: Comparing Benefits and Costs. Venture Publishing (PA); revised edition (January 1, 1997).
Marquand, R. (2006). Before Scandinavia: These could be the first skiers. Retrieved April 08, 2016, from The Christian Science Monitor: http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0315/p01s01-woap.html
SkiCanada.org. (2013). What is Skiing? Retrieved April 09, 2016, from SKICANADA.ORG: https://www.skicanada.org/ready/what-is-skiing
Steamboat ski and Resort Corporation. (2016). forest stewardship. (Intrawest, Editor) Retrieved April 20, 2016, fromhttp://www.steamboat.com/the-mountain/sustainability.aspx
Sugarbush Resort. (2016). Environmental Initiatives. Retrieved April 09, 2016, from Sugarbush Resort: http://www.sugarbush.com/discover/environment/
