As Climate Zaps Their Snow, Winter Sports Fans Seek To Change Congress

"BOULDER, Colo. -- A world-class snowboarder, former Navy SEAL Josh Jespersen served for four years in Afghanistan and Iraq. Last year, he set a single-winter record by climbing and boarding down all 54 of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks. When not chasing powder or working as a security guard, Jespersen takes wounded veterans on outdoor treks.

Now he's undertaking a different kind of expedition — urging mountain-state politicians to take seriously the threat of climate change, and working to vote them out of office if they don't.

"This is an issue that is really galvanizing young people," said Jespersen, 31, who is part of Protect Our Winters (POW), a national group made up of winter sports enthusiasts, resorts and outdoor gear retailers. But he said it's hard for them to focus on climate change when so many other issues are competing for attention."

Stuart Leavenworth reports for McClatchy April 26, 2018.