Climb It for Climate Returns, Connecting Recreationists with Climate Advocates

Fresh late season powder was a perfect canvas for nearly 50 skiers and riders as they carved their way down Lincoln Peak, returning from a rewarding uphill skin as part of the second Climb It for Climate gathering. The event, which took place on Saturday March 29, was co-hosted by Friends of the Mad River and the Mad River Valley Backcountry Coalition (MRVBC) in collaboration with Sugarbush Resort and Protect Our Winters. The Climb It for Climate event series aims to bring together outdoor recreationists to contemplate and discuss their role in addressing climate change. The first rendition of the event was hosted in December 2024 and featured screenings of climate focused ski films. For the latest take on the event, climate advocates and educators were invited to host a discussion with the community, answering questions and creating dialogue around the topic.

While earlier in the day the forecast had remained uncertain, the weather held and the climbers were treated to several inches of fresh snow. As they ascended into the cloud layer hanging above Lincoln Peak, skiers swapped stories, connected with the evening’s special guests, and contemplated the connection between climate and the winter sports they were enjoying. After transitioning to head back downhill, they carved their way down freshly groomed runs to meet back at Wunderbar where the après discussion was held.

The top floor bar was quickly filled as members of the community that opted not to ski or board joined in for the discussion. Attendees made new friends as everyone settled into group tables with their pizza and beers, turning their attention to the guests as the evening’s discussion kicked off. The discussion was hosted by Julie Frost (MRVBC) and
Marcy Bucheit (Friends of the Mad River), but the audience was encouraged to think of the discussion as an open dialogue and a place to provide feedback or express their thoughts. The audience was walked through a process of collaboratively generating questions which they then posed to the guests. The three guests responded to questions based on their diverse experiences and expertise, lending differing and unique viewpoints to each answer.

Sharing from the perspective of a climate educator, Joan Haley, climate change education specialist at Shelburne Farms, highlighted effective ways to communicate about climate action and bridge polarized perspectives. She emphasized the importance of listening to other viewpoints and avoiding shaming or alienating others when having difficult conversations. In addressing one audience question, she also reminded the crowd that climate change was inherently an equity issue, and she reiterated the importance of thinking beyond the immediate impacts to ourselves and considering the disproportionate impacts to other communities.

Harwood Union civics teacher and community organizer, Matt Henchen, approached the conversation from a political advocacy lens. In his responses, Henchen championed policy change as a vital area of advocacy. Henchen shared about his efforts helping facilitate a youth climate lobby among his high school students and inspired the crowd with their success in bringing thousands of students to demonstrate in support of climate policy at the capitol. In response to questions about opportunities to advocate for change, Henchen encouraged every attendee to contact their elected officials, especially those at the local level.

Speaking as a member of the winter recreation community, Noah Dines, Protect Our Winters athlete and world record holder for most human-powered vertical feet skied in a year, brought his perspective from getting involved as an advocate. As a Protect Our Winters athlete, Dines lends his platform and support to advancing conversations and initiatives for climate action. His comments focused on the importance of skiers and snowboarders recognizing the impact that their recreation has and considering ways to mitigate it. He shared his perspective that the community should still pursue outdoor activities because they bring fulfillment and joy, but they can’t lose sight of the need to address climate change – practicing what POW likes to call “imperfect advocacy.” In reflecting on his experience of the night, Dines said, “[It was] a pleasure to spend the evening relishing in the winter we have now and working together to figure out different approaches to preserve this for years to come.”

The group left inspired in their role as climate messengers and reinvigorated with the power of the outdoors in inciting change. Mark Haberle, MRVBC President, summed up the feeling that event left the community with, saying, “The Climb It for Climate event represents a significant step to building a community of practice that can affect change at the local and regional level. My key take-away from the event is that the community is strong, energized, and ready to stand up and put our brave little state on the forefront of action.”

*Written by Marcy Bucheit of the Friends of the Mad River