Hortsman T-bar removed from Blackcomb Glacier

 The Horstman T-bar on the Blackcomb glacier has been permanently removed. The removal is a decision made based on the recession of the glacier and the following statement was released by Whistler Blackcomb,

"Over time, the Horstman Glacier’s profile has changed to the point the Horstman T-bar became inoperable and required us to remove it. The Showcase T-bar is in a better location and will continue to service the glacier for both summer and winter. We are looking forward to welcoming skiers and riders for the winter season, several months away, and our intent is to be back to summer glacier skiing in 2021"

Image courtesy of POWDER.com.

 With the Horstman T-bar having historical significance in the world of freestyle skiing and snowboarding, the removal of the lift sparks nostalgia amongst veterans and amateurs alike. Check out this article on POWDER for some thoughts on the matter by Josh Berman from Level 1, or this one on unofficialnetworks for words from Ken Achenbach as he commented on the melt a few years back.

 As climate change continues to push forward, it's important that we all think about what we can do, as individuals and as a larger community, to combat climate change. After all, the Horstman will not be the last lift to be removed in response to a changing climate. 

 If you're at a loss as to where to start, I would suggest looking to Protect Our Winters, a nonprofit organization whose efforts are focused on legislation regarding climate change.