One scenario being discussed is the possibility of ski resorts purchasing the public BLM or Forest Service land they currently operate on. At first glance, this might seem like a reasonable compromise—after all, these resorts already use the land daily. But in practice, the implications would be dramatic. This shift would free resorts from the restrictions tied to their current special-use permits, meaning they could expand terrain, build lifts, or develop new infrastructure without undergoing the existing rigorous environmental review process or allowing for public comment. While state and local agencies might retain some regulatory authority, and laws like the Clean Water Act would still apply, the overall oversight would be significantly reduced. In an ideal scenario, this wouldn’t be entirely negative. We might see shorter timelines for infrastructure improvements, more on-mountain dining and lodging options, and an increase in ski-in/ski-out accommodations. In theory, it could e...