At Backbone we like snow.
Ullr would be pleased
Of course we love to ski and ride deep powder, but equally important is the impact snow (or lack thereof) has on our business partners in the winter sports world. Brands like SmartWool, Polartec , Eddie Bauer, Black Diamond, POC, La Sportiva, and Kastle all thrive when the snow flies.
The same holds true for the destination resorts we collaborate with: Sun Valley, Snowmass, Taos, Bachelor and Telluride. Even our more summer-based brands feel the impact of a bad snow year— in terms of watershed, river flows and outdoor retailers coming off a slow winter season are less likely to submit big orders for the next season.
Protect Our Winters recently released a report in collaboration with the National Resources Defense Council that focused on the economic impact of climate change to resorts and tourism. The results are staggering—an estimated $1 billion loss and up to 27,000 fewer jobs over the last decade because of diminished snow fall patterns and the resulting changes in the outdoor habits of Americans. The story went mainstream with pick up in USA Today, New York Times (three times), Time, ESPN Freeskiing, Outside, TransWorld Business, Adventure Journal and pick up on Al Gore’s blog and twitter feed
Major television and radio coverage ensued including a FOX News Business piece with an interview of the NRDC’s Bob Deans.
Part of Backbone’s charter is to give back to the outdoor industry and our local communities. We proudly work for 1% for the Planet, Big City Mountaineers and Protect Our Winters (POW).
When one of our non-profit partners scores major international news coverage, it’s a win we’re especially excited about. Thanks to the NRDC’s Hastings Group for their exceptional efforts in driving the process and read the NRDC report for yourself here.