I grew up near a ski resort in Utah, and this is already a thing they do. Plenty of community programs that make it free to ski on certain days. I even got free ski lessons one year because I was on the honor roll at school.

The ski resorts bring in significant tourism (in a way the golf courses in Utah do not) that benefits lots of people (including plenty of small businesses that cater to ski tourism, everything from fancy lattes to winter gear).

I just don't think it's quite equivalent to golf courses (and now that I live across the country, I don't really have a dog in this fight. I don't even like skiing!)

I don't necessarily disagree with you, but Utah relies on ski areas for significant economic reasons. It's not just as easy as "stop skiing" when many people's livelihoods depend on ski tourism.

That said, the water usage isn't a non-issue either. There may need to be changes in Utah's ski economy to deal with the reality of the drought, and that may require tough decisions. I'm not saying "don't change it", I'm just saying it's really complicated.

Don't hold your breath on that. Their leaders are on record as saying they neither seek nor give apologies.

I see this as less of a "start" in the right direction for them, and more of a small defeat and tactical shift. They know they'll never stem the tide against gay marriage now, but this bill allows them to go on discriminating against gay people without fear of reprisals.

Never give the Mormon church credit for any change of heart. It's a multi-national real estate corporation with billions in investments. It doesn't have a heart to change, just a bottom line to protect.

It is progress, I agree. However, given that the Mormon church has been dragged toward it kicking and screaming, I'm not inclined to give them any sort of kudos for it.