Advertisement

Ski slopes in national forests could host year-round activities

Share

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Finally, a bitterly divided Congress has found common ground -- on the slopes.

Congress has sent to President Obama legislation that would open up ski areas in national forests in California, Colorado and other states to year-round activities, such as concerts and mountain biking.

Sponsors of the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act describe it as an effort to boost tourism in mountain communities.

Advertisement

The measure passed the Senate on Tuesday night by unanimous consent after winning House approval earlier this month.

‘In Colorado, we know that the last snowflake falling doesn’t signal the end to our outdoor recreation,’’ said Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.), one of the bill’s chief sponsors. ‘This bill doesn’t cost taxpayers a cent and, with just a small change, can create jobs in mountain communities across the country.’

The measure applies to 121 ski areas on national forest land in California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming. Twenty-two of the ski areas are in California.

Some of the ski areas have already offered summertime activities, but the bill would provide clear authority to the U.S. Forest Service to permit a broader range of year-round activities, such as zip lines and Frisbee golf courses, while prohibiting more intensely developed activities, such as tennis courts and amusement parks.

‘We are thrilled,’ said Michael Berry, president of the National Ski Areas Assn. “Year-round activities at ski areas will allow resorts to create more year-round jobs and boost the economies of the mountain communities in which we operate.”

“A small clarification to the law means that appropriate activities like snowboarding, zip lining and concerts can take place on public lands, enhancing our enjoyment of them and helping mountain communities sustain local jobs,’’ Udall said in a statement.

Advertisement

ALSO:

Meteor shower alert: 2011 Orionids are on their way

Five men questioned in burglary at San Antonio courthouse

Names of those opposing domestic partner law are given to the public

-- Richard Simon in Washington, D.C.

Advertisement