As a lifelong skier and former employee at Eldora Mountain, I have witnessed firsthand the detrimental shift in the skiing industry. The sport that once brought joy and unity is now being overshadowed by unmanageable capitalism, with money-hungry corporations taking precedence over community values. One such looming threat is the proposed sale of Arapaho Basin Ski Area to Ikon Pass.

Arapaho Basin has been a family-owned resort for years, cherished by locals and visitors alike for its authenticity and commitment to preserving nature's beauty. However, this sale threatens to commercialize our beloved ski area, leading to unnecessary expansion and exploitation.

The consequences of such sales are already evident in other ski areas across Colorado. For instance, Vail Resorts' acquisition of Park City led to an increase in lift ticket prices by 200% within five years (source: Denver Post). This not only makes skiing less accessible but also disrupts local economies reliant on winter tourism.

Moreover, commercialization often leads to environmental degradation due to extensive infrastructure development. In Aspen Skiing Company's case, their expansion resulted in significant deforestation (source: Aspen Times).

We cannot let this happen to Arapaho Basin - a place that holds personal memories for many like me who grew up skiing its slopes.

This petition calls upon residents of Colorado, USA - skiers or not - who value local businesses over corporate greed; those who believe in preserving our natural landscapes rather than exploiting them for profit; those who want future generations to experience the joy we've had at Arapaho Basin.

Let us stand together against this sale and keep our ski area family-owned! Please sign this petition today!