So I wont rehash that at length.
We cant stop billionaires from buying up businesses.
We cant stop out-of-state developers from gobbling up affordable housing.
Hell, we cant even do much about things like overpriced parking passes and gutted park crews.
Im not interested in just throwing up my hands and giving up though.
Im not quite ready to admit defeat and give up on mountain towns.
The situation reminds me of this flowchart that lives in the front pocket of my SAR jacket.
I fit solidly into the BLS side.
I can only provide Basic Life Support, and then transport patients to a more advanced provider.
So we get to the scene of an avalanche thats already occurred as quickly as possible.
We help locate and dig up anyone involved.
Its more devastating when its distilled to that level.
And Ill work for hope, no matter how small, any day.
If at all possible, dont stay in one.
If you do need to stay in one, think about its impact on the community youre visiting.
And if youre set on a standalone unit, do your research.
Plenty of folks rent out their full-time home for a few weeks here and there.
Dont give those people your money.
When possible, stay in a hotel or a hostel.
Tip Well
I get it.
Youre a crusty ski bum who scrimped and saved for this ski vacation.
You dont have any extra cash to throw around.
If thats actually the case, dont go out to eat.
Eating ramen and saltines is core.
So often I hear the why should I tip well, theyre living the dream?
And I absolutely hate it.
But most of them are sacrificing a lot to live that dream.
Dont Fake It
If you dont live in a mountain town, thats fine.
Its ok to just visit these places and go back to your real life.
Use Public Transportation
If you do need to drive, dont park like an asshat.
Something about going on vacation makes people completely forget how to park.
Park efficiently, with just enough space between you and other cars to open your doors.
This goes doubly for big vans.
And if youre not going to actually sleep in your van, consider bringing a smaller car.
Think about where your moneys going
The line between mountain town and company town is thin and getting thinner.
Thats bad for the longevity of mountain towns.
make a run at eat and shop off the mountain, at independently owned businesses.
Its the little things, but they do count.
Get Informed
Visit somewhere different
Mega resorts suck.
Consider not giving them your money.
There are alternatives that might even get you a better skiing experience.
The Indy Pass is a great alternative to an Epic or Ikon.
Empathy
It all comes down to empathy.
A little thought and a little kindness goes a long, long way.
