Far West Ski Association Announces Powerful Climate Change Panel At Annual Convention
The Far West Ski Association (FWSA) is proud to present a powerful and timely panel, “Climate Change and the Future of Snowsports,” during its Annual Convention in Palm Springs, California, June 12 - 15, 2025.
This compelling discussion brings together leading voices in climate science, energy innovation, and environmental restoration to examine the most pressing challenge facing the winter sports industry today: climate change. As warming temperatures continue to impact snowpack, season lengths, and the viability of winter tourism, the FWSA Environment Committee is taking action to raise awareness and drive meaningful dialogue.
Panelists include:
AUDEN SCHENDLER (Special video recorded for this event)
Auden Schendler spent 25 years running sustainability programs at Aspen One, where he worked on large-scale climate solutions, including clean energy development, policy advocacy, and activism. He played helped develop the only coal-mine methane-to-electricity project in the United States and has been instrumental in mobilizing the outdoor industry as a political force through his decade-long board service with Protect Our Winters. Auden's first book "Getting Green Done: Hard Truths from the Front Lines of the Sustainability Revolution," was praised by climatologist James Hansen as "an antidote to greenwash." His latest work, "Terrible Beauty: Reckoning with Climate Complicity and Rediscovering Our Soul," was published in November 2024. Recognized as a "climate innovator" by TIME magazine and a "climate saver" by the EPA, Auden has also served on Colorado's Air Quality Control Commission, contributing to state climate policy development. An avid outdoorsman, he has climbed Denali, and kayaked the Grand Canyon in winter. He lives in Basalt, Colorado, with his family. Auden Schendler was the recipient of the FWSA Jordan-Reily Award in 2009. He is no longer with Aspen SkiCo and he will be speaking as a private citizen,
Erica Fleishman is the Director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute and a Professor in Oregon State University's College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. Her research focuses on ecological responses to changes in climate and land use in the western United States. Erica holds a B.S. and M.S. in Biological Sciences from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno. Erica led the seventh Oregon Climate Assessment, which projects that Oregon’s snowfall will decrease by 50% by 2100, posing challenges for winter recreation and water availability across all sectors. She will discuss these and other inferences from the assessment virtually during the FWSA Climate Change and the Future of Snow Sports panel.
DR. THOMAS SPIGLANIN – Director of Education, Palm Springs Windmill Tours
Dr. Thomas Spiglanin is an expert in renewable energy education, currently serving as the Director of Education at Palm Springs Windmill Tours. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry and a background in aerospace engineering, he has worked extensively in both technical and educational roles. Previously, he contributed to aerospace research and later transitioned into corporate learning and development. As the author of Backstories of the Palm Springs Windmills, Dr. Spiglanin shares the history, technology, and impact of wind energy in California. He is a passionate educator and speaker, dedicated to making complex energy topics accessible to the public.
CURTIS SHUCK
With over 30 years of experience in the oil and energy sector, Curtis has worked extensively in transportation project development, capital project delivery, and business development across the Pacific Northwest and Mid-Continent. His career has included leadership roles such as President of Red River Oilfield Services, where he managed operations in the Bakken Oilfield, and key initiatives at the Port of Vancouver USA, where he helped strengthen economic ties between Pacific Northwest ports and North Dakota’s energy sector.
Recognizing the environmental threat posed by abandoned oil wells, Curtis transitioned his expertise toward climate action, founding the Well Done Foundation to seal methane-leaking orphaned wells across the U.S.. His work has gained national recognition for its measurable impact on emissions reduction.
At the FWSA Climate Change and the Future of Snow Sports panel, Curtis will discuss how individuals, communities, and businesses can take actionable steps to reduce human contributions to global warming, ensuring a sustainable future for winter sports. Curtis and his family now reside in Shelby, Montana.
“A slowly warming planet poses an existential threat to the snowsports we love so much. This session isn’t just about what we’re losing—it’s about what we can do,” said Dave Tragethon, FWSA Environment Committee Chair. “We want our members to leave this session with a sense of urgency, yes—but also a sense of empowerment. Change is happening, but so is action.”
The panel takes place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Riviera Resort & Spa Palm Springs, 10:45 am - 12:15 pm, Salon B. The public is welcome to attend.
For more information, visit fwsa.org/
