Life in the Pow

This ethnography examines the deeper cultural and environmental aspects of skiing, focusing on the dynamic between experienced and new skiers at Lookout Pass, a ski resort found on the border of Idaho and Montana. My core focus that was explored is how skiing fosters a sense of community and environmental stewardship, which transcends material aspects such as equipment and gear. My guiding question for this study is “How do interactions between experienced and newer skiers at Lookout Pass shape their relationship with themselves and their environment?” To carry out this project, I employed participant observation and detailed field notes in key areas of the resort to capture natural interactions. My preliminary findings suggest that while new skiers tend to focus on the thrill and social aspects of the sport, experienced skiers have a stronger, more enduring connection to the environment that is their mountain. The divide has an impact on the community at Lookout Pass, as both groups learn from and influence each others' behaviors. Ultimately, advocating for preservation of their home mountain. The significance of this research rests in its potential to contribute to understanding how ski communities develop and adapt to generational changes, placing emphasis on environmental stewardship, sustainability, and community-building. This work is relevant to both the ski industry and environmental management, as it highlights the need for resorts to cultivate inclusive, and environmentally conscious cultures. This is what makes Life in the Pow.