Winter Wildlands Alliance

?? POLICY UPDATE ?? As post-election shifts loom, the future of public lands and conservation is on the line. However, there’s hope: a new $2 billion conservation fund, California’s climate progress, and Colorado’s snow sports economy thriving. This month at Winter Wildlands Alliance this month, we’re advocating for sustainable winter recreation protecting Teton bighorn sheep. Want to know how to help? Read the full update on our Stash Blog. https://lnkd.in/gdCYR7By

?? What Will La Ni?a Bring This Winter? ?? With winter fast approaching, we've been getting plenty of questions about snowfall predictions here at Winter Wildlands Alliance and SnowSchool. In our latest blog, SnowSchool Director Dr. Kerry McClay explores insights from snow scientists into one of the most powerful, yet elusive, forces of nature. Right now, NOAA is forecasting a "weak La Ni?a" pattern, suggesting a colder and wetter winter in some regions. But is that really the whole story? ?? Whether Old Man Winter (or in this case, La Ni?a) decides to blanket us in powder or just a dusting, we're keeping our mittens crossed for deep snow! ?? ? What’s your snow prediction for this season? After reading Kerry’s expert insights, share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take! Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/g73-_gTU

???? Did you know winter has already started? While most of us think of winter beginning on December 21st, there's another way to define the season: Solar Winter. This is the three-month period with the least daylight, spanning early November to early February. ?? These months bring the shortest days and longest nights of the year. National SnowSchool Director Kerry McClay explores the positive manifestations of winter and the concept of Solar Winter in our Stash blog. From frosty mornings to serene starry skies, there’s so much to celebrate about winter beyond snowflakes and cold. ?? Read more on our blog and get inspired to make the most of Solar Winter. https://lnkd.in/geuJ7j77

Happy 20th Birthday to our Backcountry Film Festival! ?? The BCFF is officially two decades old and ready to celebrate on tour with YOU! Adventure, travel, ski culture, ice, pain, laughter, DEEP POWDER—you’ll find it all in this year’s lineup as we bring the films to a town near you. Did you know? Over the past 20 years, the Backcountry Film Festival has toured 9 countries + Antarctica and screened over 100 films! ?? Let’s make this season our BEST tour yet! Click the link to find a screening near you: ?https://lnkd.in/gGE2djSt sierra nevada, YETI, mountainFLOW eco-wax

Did you know dust on snow can accelerate snowmelt even more than warming temperatures? ??????? When dust settles on snow, it darkens the surface, causing the snow to absorb more heat instead of reflecting it. This speeds up snowmelt and affects our water supplies. As S. McKenzie Skiles of the University of Utah’s Snow Hydro Lab put it, it's “the most dramatic thing I’ve ever seen.” This issue in America's snowy Southwest dates back to land disturbances, like unsustainable grazing, that began after colonization in the 1800s. So, what can we do about it? It “requires working with communities in a bottom-up, grassroots way, with respect for the local people, their culture, and the landscape." Want to learn more about how we can keep the dust on the ground, where it belongs? Click here ???https://lnkd.in/gCebWFrk

?? New Podcast Episode: “Inside SnowSchool with Kerry McClay” In our latest episode of Trail Break Radio, we’re excited to feature Winter Wildlands Alliance’s own Kerry McClay, National SnowSchool Director. Hosted by Life in Motion, this conversation dives into SnowSchool's journey as a national program that connects over 35,000 students annually to their local winter wildlands through hands-on snow science and outdoor exploration. Why SnowSchool Matters: Through partnerships across 70+ sites, SnowSchool works to ensure that public lands and outdoor education are accessible to youth from all backgrounds. During the 2023-2024 season alone, 53% of participants came from underserved communities, including Title 1 schools, tribal and rural schools, and adaptive programs. SnowSchool's STEM-based curriculum gives students opportunities to study winter ecology and climate science in real-time, nurturing a new generation of outdoor stewards. ?? "If the land truly belongs to all of us, we need to foster that.” – Kerry McClay Join us as we discuss: ? The importance of equitable access to outdoor education ? How SnowSchool engages students with STEM-based lessons ? Kerry’s vision for the future of outdoor stewardship https://lnkd.in/gPb9-Hg6

Get outside. Touch some grass or snow. Acknowledge how you feel. Our community is strong, and together we will never stop working to protect the places and experiences we cherish. ?? Read a letter from our Executive Director: https://lnkd.in/gCTE7yED

Exciting news! Winter Wildlands Alliance is now a proud signatory of the America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge! ?? This impactful initiative aims to protect, restore, and reconnect 8 million acres of wetlands and 100,000 miles of rivers across the U.S. by 2030. Focusing on upper watersheds, we recognize the crucial role that snow and snowmelt play in replenishing our freshwater resources. By joining over 210 partners nationwide, we are committed to safeguarding precious snowmelt that sustains our communities, ecosystems, and climate. ???? Protecting our snow-fed waters is more important than ever, and we invite you to learn more about this vital initiative! https://lnkd.in/eCemMzp2

“Having a forest-wide approach makes the process more equitable.” – Brittany Leffel, WWA Colorado Policy Manager With the new management plan for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests in place, Winter Travel Planning is the next big priority. Winter Wildlands Alliance is urging the Forest Service start the process as soon as possible, to establish clear and balanced guidelines for winter recreation. From protecting wildlife corridors to managing snowmobile routes and cross-country ski trails, a well-rounded winter travel plan ensures that outdoor enthusiasts can coexist safely and sustainably. A unified, forest-wide approach will be essential for addressing diverse needs across communities in Telluride, Gunnison, and beyond—ensuring equitable access for all. Discover how Winter Wildlands Alliance and local partners are making this happen for the future of winter recreation. https://lnkd.in/gZS9n2v6

We're excited to share that our California Stewardship Manager, Megan Fiske, will be presenting at the Sierra Nevada Alliance Conservation Conference, November 7-8, at Lake Tahoe Community College in South Lake Tahoe! This event brings together over 40 conservation organizations and community members for two days of in-depth discussions and panels on the pressing issues impacting the Sierra Nevada. It’s a unique chance to engage with leading conservation voices and drive positive change for our landscapes. Don’t miss out—register by Nov 1 through the link! https://lnkd.in/g7yRrsp4