Skiing's Future

[Andy_ROC]

I'm sure we are all aware this thread is on the edge, could be locked anytime. I'd like to keep it open but won't hesitate. Phrases deriding left or right (aka rabid liberal etc) aren't helpful.

Beyond that, Sbob's point rings true. Contradictions abound.

The original NYT article posted by RA ends with the idea that the efforts of the ski areas to be more "green" are a drop in the bucket compared the the driving and flying done by skiers to ski. I think about it all the time, and acknowledge that I am a not in alignment. I make efforts to drive efficiently and carpool, but that really isn't much at all. And last year I carpooled far less than I did the previous year, because of covid. The only time I carpooled was my May trip to Killy, after I was vaxxed.

Still it's not the first time, and won't be the last, that people choose between their own self interest and the interests of all. It happens all the time. When doing the right thing for all is a choice (vs a law) it's not an easy choice to make. You only live once, and we all want to enjoy life.

On a more humorous note, a retired forum member emailed me and pressured me to delete the misinformation in this thread.

I agree there is no room for attacks, political or other and it never leads to productive dialog.

There's got to be a science based happy medium between those that want to vilify all forms of modern life and those that say we should do nothing.

The fact is virtually ALL living things are responsible for generating greenhouse gases--- carbon and methane. Obviously some more than others. I'm sure there's lots of jokes about methane and taco bell I also believe we all can do our part and still enjoy modern life. Even simple things like using LED bulbs, driving more efficiently or more efficient vehicles. Using timers and sensors to manage our lighting and HVAC for more efficient use. We can upcycle our gently used gear and buy gently used gear in turn. Maybe replace one beef based meal a week with a plant based meal. The list is long and some of these things are also good for our wallets.

But when I see the giant underground coal fires in India that just spew carbon and smoke, or the smokestacks in China, it makes me wonder if our contributions as individuals is like peeing in the ocean to raise the tides.

In the big picture the planet is going to need much more innovative solutions for the creation of usable energy. It's kind of interesting when think of how science has evolved our way of life so radically in the last 120 years. We went from the Wright Brothers first flight to transcontinental airline travel in only 33 years. We went to the moon in less than 66 years, and yet we're still dependent upon burning petroleum products that were first used >150 years ago? Something seems askew.

Remember virtually all of our energy exists because of the sun--- hydro, wind, petroleum, coal. None of that is here without the sun. I believe a big part of our energy solution is with solar in some form. At some point hopefully the science will catch up to our needs... hopefully in time.

 

[Ripitz]

They use methane extracted from cow manure to help power the K1 Gondola

That sounds like a bunch of bullshit.

 

[Tjf1967]

That sounds like a bunch of bullshit.

Do they still have the giant diesel compressors at the base pumping out the snow?

 

[TheGreatAbyss]

I believe a big part of our energy solution is with solar in some form.

All forms of green energy are preferable to fossil fuels, and there's really nothing stopping us from deprecating coal and getting to 70%+ renewable energy other then money and politics.

But fusion energy (long considered a pipe dream) is getting closer to becoming a reality, and has the potential to be truly game changing: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/18/business/fusion-energy.html

 

[Campgottagopee]

Ski areas promote green energy in some ways but then are completely hypocritical in others. Take Killington for example. They use methane extracted from cow manure to help power the K1 Gondola which is great (though unclear what percentage of the power it contributes). But then they go and have a "partnership" with Subaru of New England where Subaru owners get premier parking at Ramshead. Nevermind the fact that Subaru is currently only selling 1 measly hybrid that nobody seems to be buying, and no EV development beyond what Toyota may someday give them as a hand-me-down. Meanwhile Subaru is more than happy to keep moving Ascents with a combined 23 mpg. So much for POW.

Talk about misinformation

I'm emailing Harv!!!!

 

[TheGreatAbyss]

What exactly is misinformation?

 

[Sbob]

That sounds like a bunch of bullshit.

Master Blaster is in charge it will work. ?

 

[Ripitz]

What exactly is misinformation?

Alternative facts.

 

[Harvey]

Using timers and sensors to manage our lighting and HVAC for more efficient use.

We put in a super efficient HVAC two years ago. Talk about taking one for the team. I'll leave that story for another time. Suffice it to say repairs, on a brand new unit, have far exceeded energy cost, but not the systems fault, it was the installer. We will never recover the investment.

I digress. The last guy who was on helping us told me that with the heat pump, it's best to leave i set at a single temp, vs setting a schedule. He said up and down on our system is less efficient then leaving it at 70 or whatever.

Anybody know if this is true?

 

[gorgonzola]

What exactly is misinformation?