Photo by Dana Menlove

Meet Mark Menlove, the second executive director of Winter Wildlands Alliance (WWA), from 2004 to 2019. When Mark joined, WWA was a fledgling organization, driven by volunteer board members. Mark’s 15-year tenure was instrumental in steering WWA’s growth. 

Mark joined WWA because its mission resonated deeply with his values. After leaving behind a career in ski resort management due to conflicts over unchecked expansion, he experienced firsthand the conflicts between skiers and snowmobilers while living in a remote corner of the Wasatch Mountains. Joining WWA allowed him to apply his passion for winter solace and seek solutions on a broader scale. 

One of Mark’s most memorable moments from the early days at WWA was a late-night bluegrass folk jam during an early Grassroots Advocacy Conference at Donner Summit. He recalls:

“Guitars, mandolins, harmonicas, and singing, laughter, and pure unadulterated love and joy in the experience of being together in the mountains and showing up for something we all love. I’m so happy to see this tradition has carried on.”  

Mark also vividly recalls hiring Charlie Woodruff, WWA’s first outreach coordinator, whose idea to screen a backcountry film in Boise sparked the genesis of the Backcountry Film Festival. Mark loves how the festival has become pivotal in engaging the community and promoting WWA’s mission.  He reflects:

“Establishing the Backcountry Film Festival as a means of gathering in celebration of winter, creating community among likeminded people, and raising funds for local groups doing such important work is certainly one of our greatest achievements.”

Alongside the Backcountry Film Festival, Mark considers WWA’s greatest achievements to be the growth of SnowSchool, co-founding Outdoor Alliance, and securing policy victories such as integrating over-snow vehicle use into Forest Service plans and influencing Yellowstone’s Winter Use Plan. 

When asked how he thinks WWA’s work has evolved over the past 25 years, Mark shared:

“I love witnessing WWA’s mission and focus continue to become more inclusive and more focused on partnerships and win-win solutions.”

Mark’s advice to members today is simple but powerful:

“Keep showing up where decisions are being made that impact your winter experience. Keep it joyful. Keep having FUN!” 

We owe a great deal to Mark for his leadership, vision, and enduring impact on Winter Wildlands Alliance. Join us in celebrating the legacy he helped build by continuing to support WWA’s mission.