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Hey, ski resort. I know we haven't seen much of each other for a few months but the mornings have been getting cooler and I was thinking about you. I want us to be together every winter, but we need to talk. I love the great times we've had together but we can't keep going on like we used to. We could talk about the weather all the time: When will it snow? How much? Will it be light, fluffy powder or a heavy, wet blanket of snow? But things have changed and I'm worried about our future. We need to talk about CO2 and climate change.

Dust Blows! Then dust lands on snow and the snow melts off faster. Why is this a problem? Faster snowmelt leads to early spring runoff and reduced river waterflow. Dust on mountain snowpacks amplifies the problem of warmer and drier weather in the Southwestern US brought on by climate change. What can be done about it? The Center for Snow & Avalanche Studies (CSAS) needs funding to research this dusty problem.

At the risk of sounding old - Winter isn't what it used to be. Not to say that winter weather was 'dependable', but it has become less consistent recently. This winter has been unsettlingly warm from New York city where the Winter Jam Canceled Due to Lack of Winter to Ski Resorts Without Snow.

Slowly but surely the Taos Ski Valley 2010 Master Development Plan progresses. The Notice of Availability (NOA) for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Taos Ski Valley's 2010 Master Development Plan - Phase 1 Projects was published in the Federal Register on January 13, 2012. A 45-day comment period began the day after the publication date of the NOA (the Comment Period ends February 27, 2012).

January is a great time to head up the mountain and learn to ski or snowboard. With the holidays (SolstiChristmaHanukKwanzivus) past your local ski areas are a little less crowded and perfect for beginners. Maybe you have a son, daughter, nephew or niece who would love to try snow sports. Ski resorts across North America are offering great deals (and prizes) for beginning skiers and boarders.

Patagonia doesn't want you to buy their jacket. Well ... only if you've already worn out and recycled the one you already have. I'm already there. Call me frugal, or worse, but I try to buy durable stuff and use it until it's ready for the rag pile. Patagonia has gone one step further and will recycle everything they make. But first, I have a pair of ski pants that need repair.

What: Hear Athletes Talk Climate Change On Capitol Hill.
When: Wednesday, September 14th, 2011, 6:30pm
Where: Orientation Theater South, Capitol Visitor Center, US. Capitol

Please join Protect Our Winters in Washington DC on Wednesday night, 9/14 for this unique, plublic event with Jeremy Jones, Gretchen Bleiler, Chris Davenport and Auden Schendler. They'll discuss climate change, winter sports and why athletes (pro and amateur) are an important part of the solution. Honorary co-hosts: Rep. Jared Polis (CO), Sen. Mark Udall (CO), and Sen. Michael Bennet(CO).

What: 24th Annual Tony Forrest Telemark Workshop
When: January 29 & 30, 2011 from 10 am - 3pm
Where: Ski Santa Fe, 505-992-5084