Cirrus Ecological Solutions

For ski resorts looking to expand or modify their operations on federal land, navigating environmental regulations can be a complex process. That’s where Cirrus Ecological Solutions, Lc (Cirrus) steps in.

Cirrus, a Utah-based company specializes in environmental permitting, helping ski resorts throughout the U.S. and other clients comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Cirrus began when a small group headed by Scott Evans (current owner) and Neal Artz left a larger firm due to their filing for bankruptcy. The two had worked together for over seven years. Recognizing the value of the services they provided to their clients, and their success in doing so, they decided to continue their work independently. “Cirrus was created in February 2000 and has been successful ever since,” said Evans.

Over the past 25 years, Cirrus has maintained a small but highly skilled team of six to eight full-time employees, including professionals with backgrounds in natural resource management, NEPA, botany, wildlife, aquatics, hydrology, soils, wetlands, rangeland management, environmental science and document production. Keeping the team small ensures that clients work directly with experts rather than having projects handed off to less qualified staff. Cirrus also has strong working relationships with consulting firms that cover other areas of expertise as needed.

“We’ve just kept the company fairly small so we could create a better end product. When people hire Cirrus, they know they are getting exactly the people that signed up to help them,” Evans said.

Environmental permitting for ski resorts

Since its inception, Cirrus has worked with ski resorts seeking to expand or update their infrastructure. From replacing ski lifts, adding/modifying terrain, implementing snowmaking systems, building infrastructure to expanding summer operations, any project on federal land requires compliance with NEPA regulations. Cirrus assists ski resorts in completing all phases of the NEPA process.

“If a ski resort wants to make a change, including anything dealing with public land or monies, then we complete the necessary surveys and analysis. We survey and analyze all resources of concern within the physical, biological, social and human environment and prepare the necessary documentation,” said Evans.

The company also plays a crucial role in the public scoping process, ensuring that stakeholders, the public and government agencies have input on proposed projects.

“At the beginning of the project, [NEPA] requires the public be involved. And so, we’ll assist with the public scoping … we send out notices to anyone on the agency’s mailing list, explaining what is being proposed. We ask them to provide comments regarding any concerns or specific information that they think would be important for the agency to consider,” Evans said.

The role of technology in environmental analysis

Over the years, technological advancements have significantly improved Cirrus’s ability to provide service to their clients. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies have revolutionized how environmental data is collected and analyzed. Compared to the early days when field maps were drawn by hand, today’s digital tools allow for much greater accuracy and efficiency.

“We used to take a paper map into the field and draw on it, then come back and try to develop mapping and calculate acreages. Now it’s all electronic. You can enter your data into the equipment and have ready access to results when you get back into the office,” Evans said.

Sustainability in snow operations

With climate change affecting snowfall patterns, ski resorts are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact. From implementing snowmaking in high use areas to smoothing terrain to reduce the amount of snowmaking required, Cirrus helps ski resorts implement more sustainable practices. Cirrus also helps by identifying sensitive resources and finding ways to minimize disturbances.

If a ski resort wants to make a change, including anything dealing with public land or monies, then we complete the necessary surveys and analysis. We survey and analyze all resources of concern within the physical, biological, social and human environment and prepare the necessary documentation.

Scott Evans, Cirrus Ecological Solutions, Lc.

“One trend we have observed is ski resorts modifying their terrain to require less artificial snow. We’ve noticed a lot of changes lately on trying to fix the landscape. So much less snowmaking is required. They’re saving water that way and only using the snowmaking where it’s critical to meet those opening dates and provide a safe experience,” Evans said.

“When we first start a project, we’ll review the ski resort’s proposal and visit the site to see what sensitive resources are out there. Resources such as water, streams, wetlands, threatened, endangered and sensitive species habitat, etc., are reviewed and suggestions given [on] how to reduce the impacts on each resource.”

Addressing misconceptions about ski resort environmental impact

One common misconception about ski resorts is that they negatively impact large portions of the forest. Ski resorts help concentrate recreational activities into a well-managed area, reducing overall environmental disturbances.

“On National Forests, ski resorts require limited real estate … ski resorts provide recreational opportunities for the public on limited areas, not only in the winter, but also in the summer. Ski areas are also increasing the activities they provide in the summer, including mountain biking, zip lines, hiking trails, etc., drawing visitors almost year-round; thus, concentrating recreational opportunities and lessening impacts to the rest of the forest,” said Evans.

The future of Cirrus Ecological Solutions

Looking ahead, Cirrus plans to continue offering third-party contracting services, where they act as a bridge between ski resorts and regulatory agencies like the U.S. Forest Service.

“The ski resorts pay us, and then we take direction from the Forest Service … this allows the process to move faster and saves agency time, since an outside source is paying for the work to be done, the agency has the ability to accomplish more with limited resources,” Evans said.

This model helps agencies navigate staffing and funding limitations while ensuring that environmental analyses are completed efficiently and to a high standard.

Advice for sustainable snow operations

For ski resorts looking to implement more sustainable practices, Evans says the importance of consulting with experts is crucial.

“Ski areas should utilize the expertise that’s available out there, whether it’s contractors like ourselves or agency specialists to get the best information on how to accomplish their goals … in a more sustainable way over time.”

Cirrus also helps ski areas by providing pre- and post-construction services such as permitting for stormwater and erosion control, wetland delineation and stream alterations, water quality monitoring and wildlife/botany surveys, ensuring that construction projects do not lead to erosion or other negative environmental impacts.

With over two decades of experience, Cirrus continues to be a trusted partner for ski resorts navigating environmental regulations. By combining expertise with the latest technology, the company helps resorts balance growth with sustainability, ensuring that winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the slopes for years to come.