Published December 30, 1999 12:00AM
Ski resort myths run rampant and often sway public opinion. But if you examine each of them closely, you may find a different story. Ted Beeler, president of Sno.engineering, Inc. of Littleton, N.H., the oldest and largest ski area design company in the U.S., offers some surprising myth-breakers:
MYTH Ski areas are the main drivers of local economies and communities.
MYTH Ski areas chase animals away.
MYTH Building ski lifts can greatly damage sensitive forest lands.
MYTH Ski trails cause erosion and runoff that pollutes streams.
MYTH By attracting thousands of skiers, ski areas create a terrible impact on forests.
MYTH Ski areas generate too much traffic and air pollution.
MYTH Ski areas destroy wetlands.
MYTH Ski areas can build what they like by running roughshod over public agencies.