Far West Ski Association is a non-profit, volunteer organization with a wide variety of programs. As "The Voice of the Western Skier," Far West Ski Association has a whole host of services in areas that are important to each and every recreational skier.
The scope of the Public Affairs program covers the following areas:
- Area Development
- Safety
- Transportation
- Taxation
- Ski History
- Consumer Advocacy (consistent with FWSA goals)
The Public Affairs portfolio of programs is designed to present to the outside world the positions of the Association. Public Affairs, as bland a title as it is, cover a range of matters important to all skiers.
Area Development
The most prominent topic in Public Affairs is area development, which cover ski area expansion and enhancement, proposed new areas, and the preservation of potential areas for future skiing. Action in this arena affects all skiers; has long-term implications; requires unified regional action; involves the ski industry with us; and can be exasperatingly tedious and drawn-out, as well as very costly. Generally, the Association must deal with county, city, state and Federal government agencies. The US Forest Service, community organizations and area operators play key roles in an ever-changing spectrum of organizations interested in protection of the environment. We maintain an active network of 'issue watchers' in strategic areas of the western states. We have recently teamed with other organizations, equally involved in ski development issues such as the Nordic Voice, National Ski Club Newsletter (NSCNL), Oregon Snowsport Industries Association (OSIA), National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association (PNSAA) and the International Ski History Association (ISHA) to ensure we are well informed and up to date on relevant issues. Currently, there are several expansion issues we are keeping close watch on. In the past year we have been aggressively involved in letter writing campaigns to ensure 'the voice of the Western skier' is heard as an even handed proponent for rational development. The Forest Service Website is also an excellent source of pertinent information, http://www.fs.fed.us.
Safety
Another area of Public Affairs focus is safety. The Association conducts a continuing campaign, through newsletter inserts, to inform the skier of safety tips and precautions. These cover a wide range of topics, from winterizing your body to the Skier Responsibility Code. During the ski year of 1997-8 we conducted a safety slogan program that rewarded the creator of the FWSA adopted slogan that best epitomizes the safety consciousness of the FWSA - 'Ski With Pride, Let It Ride, Watch All Sides'. Our program was so successful we elected to add a by-line of 'First With Safety Awareness.' The winner of the contest, Jo Henry of North Island Snowdrifters, San Diego Council, was awarded a full package for two to Aspen for 7 days, including lodging at The Gant and Daly Lane Properties. The by-line winner was Jim Ortiz, Don Diego Ski Club, San Diego Council. For his efforts he received lifts for two for five days to the Aspen area mountains. For the years '99, '00 & 02, we selected a Safety Person of the Year, who was awarded an identical package to Aspen Ski Area. The winners were Catherine Ohl, Century City and Pacific Rim Alliance Ski Clubs (LA/SD Councils), Denise Vance, North Island Snowdrifters (SD Council) and our repeat winner ('01 & '02) Richard Lubin, Bota Baggers Ski Club (BAC). The Association has also reviewed lift safety issues, Occupational Health and Safety Codes affecting skiers and, of course the helmet issues.
In addition, FWSA reviews and may take positions on various public initiatives in the applicable state or regions. Generally, any initiative or bill is reviewed for its impact on skiers. We currently have representatives in six 'regional areas' covering six states that are actively involved in keeping abreast of recreational skiing related events.
Ski slopes are as dangerous as the folks using them. At the recent San Diego FWSA conventions, safety has remained a major issue. FWSA has continued to focus its efforts on publishing and circulating safety articles for the benefit of its membership and has actively joined with NSAA in its 'Heads Up' Safety Program.
Resorts are careful to emphasize safety. 'Your Responsibility Code', which outlines safe practices, is displayed prominently at nearly every US resort on posters, on napkins and in restrooms. Ski patrollers issue warnings and sometimes pull the passes of those who demonstrate unsafe practices.
Many injuries, particularly those to the head, could likely be lessened by additional safety equipment - read helmets. Nearly a dozen companies make helmets specifically for skiing and snowboarding. While they can't prevent every tragedy, helmets offer more protection against a tree or rock than a knit cap can. FWSA does not support specific helmet legislation but has issued several statements in support of helmet use. At the most recent Board meeting it was proposed that FWSA adopt an official helmet policy. That policy development is now in progress.
Transportation
Airlines have been cracking down on passengers who insist on carrying on a multitude of luggage and trying to cram it all into the overhead compartments. In the aftermath of 9/11 most airlines permit travelers just one carry-on bag plus a small addition such as a purse or laptop. For skiers, used to carrying on their boot bag, you should call ahead before you begin your air travel to ensure your bag will be allowed on as carry-on. There is no announced change in the airline policy relative to including skis and boot bag as checked baggage.
Taxation
The IRS has announced special focus on travel programs. Ski Clubs may be the target of special IRS audits. The IRS has also announced special audits of organizations that run travel tours. These reviews are 'special emphasis audits' where the IRS focuses its attention on a specific market segment with common characteristics. Ski clubs that operate travel programs may be the target of a special IRS audit.
The Treasury Department and the IRS have developed regulatory guidance for the operation of travel tours. Ski clubs should expect the operations of trips to become more closely regulated. Two areas that clubs should be especially mindful of is Free Group Leader Travel and Fam Trips. FWSA is not qualified to provide legal or tax advice. If you have questions you should consult professional advisors concerning the interpretation of this information and how it may apply in your club's specific circumstances.
Resource contacts:
- Marcus Owens, Director of the Exempt Organizations, Technical Division at the National Office of the Internal Revenue Service, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington DC 20224
- Janet Buehler, Director of Non Profit Services for Coopers & Lybrand, 1 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, N.J., 07054-3894
From an article by Bob Wilbanks, Editor, National Ski Club Newsletter, May-June 1998.
Ski History
Ski History is a treasure trove of interesting tidbits about how North American skiing in the western states came into being. A visit to the Ski Sports Museum at Boreal Ridge, Donner Summit, North Lake Tahoe is a must for anybody traveling that way with a few hours to spare (or maybe you should make the time to visit). Filled to overflowing with artifacts that send the mind reeling with visions of Longboarders on mammoth skis hurtling down hills in old Lake Tahoe, the museum is a wonderful place to lose your self in history. It chronicles the development of the US Ski Team, the development of ski areas and, of course, the history of the death of early gold miner William Wier by snowslide in the Poker Flat Wilderness Area in Sierra County, circa 1852. That seminal event convinced then California residents of the Sierras that skis were an essential part of their winter survival kit. Managed under the auspices of the Auburn Ski Club, curator Bill Clark welcomes visitors personally and provides a warm and receptive environment for a nostalgic trip through ski history. The Far West Public Affairs office is in the process of developing presentation programs usable in group meetings that will display a taste of ski history. The recording and archiving of these events and the history of FWSA is an important part of the Public Affairs program.
Our partnership with Steamboat Ski and Resort has also led to a very successful Western Ski Heritage Award Program. Now in its third year, the award annually recognizes the best effort in the prior year that communicates the contributions to skiing and those of skiing itself to the community at large. The purpose of the Association's Western Ski Heritage program is to raise the awareness of skiers and non-skiers alike of the contributions made by individuals, groups and companies to all aspects of skiing - competitive as well as that of outdoor winter recreation and fitness. A parallel purpose is to convey the positive role skiing has had in its contributions to the communities in the West.
Award One was presented to Sutter Kunkel, Grindelwald Ski Club for his contributions in documenting the FWSA Flight programs of the early 60's. Award Two went to Chris Miller, Cascade Ski Club for his documentation of the history and development of that very famous club. Award three was presented to Ingrid Wicken at the convention in Portland, 2002 for her recently published book Pray For Snow: The History of Skiing in Southern California.
Consumer Advocacy
Advocacy on behalf of all recreational skiers consumes a large part of the effort made by the Association's Public Affairs staff. As "The Voice of the Western Skier", the Far West Ski Association takes its duties very seriously. Many articles have been published on a wide variety of advocacy issues, many of which are contained in the Public Affairs Panel Handout. We have also taken advantage of our relationship with the OSIA and the Ski Industry Association (SIA) to further educate ourselves on pertinent issues and opportunities.
One of the most talked about subject of recent FWSA Conventions was helmet use and the safety implications. Concerns about helmet legislation, safety issues, industry standards, personal experiences and insurance liability remain hot topics. The consensus seemed to be that, although the issue of wearing a helmet is a very personal one, FWSA can help its members by ensuring widest dissemination of helmet related information and encouraging members to consider helmets as attractive, on-mountain apparel. We have published many articles, including the industry standard, published in 2001.
For further information, contact:
Scott Bowker
FWSA VP of Public Affairs
Phone: 408.720.1454
Email: PublicAffairs@fwsa.org
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History of FWSA
In response to significant interest expressed at the Los Angeles Convention, Vice President for Public Affairs Mike Sanford announced the formation of a FWSA History Committee. [Read On..]
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On September 17, 2003 FWSA was privileged to be an invited participant in the kick off of the newly formed Congressional Caucus on Skiing and Snowboarding. [Read On..]
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Ski Area Development
Ski Councils are actively involved in issues related to ski area development. Northwest Council has formed a group called Northwest Snowsport Advocates. [Read On..]
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Consumer Issues
Consumer issues can include a myriad of issues, from making purchases on the Internet, buying a helmet, getting in shape, insurance matters, renting equipment, safety concerns. [Read On..]
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