Honors Theses and Capstones

Date of Award

Spring 2022

Project Type

Senior Honors Thesis

College or School

COLSA

Department

Natural Resources and the Environment

Program or Major

Environmental and Resource Economics

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

First Advisor

Dr. Cameron Wake

Second Advisor

Dr. John Halstead

Abstract

The goal of this study is to explore the extent to which sustainable investments are worthwhile for the New England ski industry. Research has shown that the New England ski industry will be greatly impacted by the effects of climate change within the near future. Anthropogenic climate change over the next several decades will cause frequent low snow winters, increases in night time winter temperatures, and overall shorter winters. Detailed economic analysis has shown that low snow and warm winters result in roughly $54 million in lost revenue for the New Hampshire ski industry in the past (Burakowski, Magnusson, 2012). However, little research has been done on what ski mountains themselves can do to adapt to and mitigate these impacts. Due to the magnitude of this research question and relatively short time frame for data collection and analysis, this paper represents the beginning of this research. My goal is to identify key sustainability initiatives that have proven successful at New England ski resorts, as well as identify what consumers value when it comes to sustainable investments. This first question is addressed by completing a case study on Jiminy Peak, a net-zero carbon emissions ski mountain in Massachusetts that operates using onsite wind and solar power. The second question is addressed by conducting an online survey with members of the UNH Ski and Board Club. It is my hope that this study will provide New England ski mountains with decision relevant analysis that informs investments and practices so they can prosper in the future.

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