Whitefish Review and Explore Whitefish host ‘Powder Days’ author
Veteran ski journalist and author Heather Hansman will speak about the impact of climate change on skiing during a gathering on Friday, Jan. 19 at 101 Central in Whitefish.
The event, presented by Whitefish Review and Explore Whitefish, will include live music, an interview with the author, a reading from her book “Powder Days,” as well as a conversation with audience members.
"I'm so excited to come to Whitefish and have a conversation with the community about the past and future of skiing and ski towns,” said Hansman.
In her new book, “Powder Days,” former ski bum Hansman takes readers on an exhilarating journey into the hidden history of American skiing, offering a glimpse into an underexplored subculture from the perspective of a true insider. Along the way, she reckons with skiing’s problematic elements and investigates how the sport is evolving in the face of the existential threat of climate change.
“Explore Whitefish is proud to partner with Whitefish Review in hosting Heather,” said Julie Mullins, executive director for Explore Whitefish. “Her visit is timely as our community faces the reality of the COVID economic bubble bursting, remote workers returning to the office, and unprecedented low snow levels resulting in a slow start to our winter season. Heather's research on inherent issues found in ski town life will be of interest to our business members and residents as we work together to protect our way of life.”
The event will also include the magical “Montana Project” guitar conceived by author Rick Bass, made from a 300-year-old spruce. The old-growth tree was felled by a storm at the edge of a logging road on the proposed Black Ram logging project in the Yaak Valley. The musicians who play the fabled instrument seek to raise awareness and support efforts to save old-growth forests, as they are some of the most effective tools for combatting human-caused climate change.
The featured musician for the evening is Deidre Corson, executive director of the North Valley Music School, joined by musician Ryan Wickland.
Rick Bass will also speak about the Montana Project and his quest for the designation of the nation’s first climate refuge in the Yaak Valley. Local journalist Maggie Neal Doherty will also present questions during the live interview.
“We are honored to present this event which combines art, science, journalism, music, and literature, along with a discussion about relevant cultural issues in our ski town and beyond,” said Brian Schott, founding editor of Whitefish Review.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with live music from 7-8 p.m. The featured author and more magic on the guitar begin at 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.whitefishreview.org.