Ski Area Uses Expanded
Senator John Barrasso together with Senator Mark Udall of Colorado, Representative Rob Bishop of Utah and Representative Diana DeGette of Colorado had introduced the Ski Area Recreation Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011 which would amend the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986. The bill would change permitting rules for ski areas on Forest Service land to allow for summertime recreation and increased tourism—and the influx of year-round business they bring. The 1986 law currently allows only ski-related activities in Forest Service ski areas. The bill would amend it so that recreational sports other than alpine and Nordic skiing, such as snowboarding, are allowed. In addition, Barrasso says the bill would authorize the Forest Service to decide on appropriate year-round and summertime activities—such as mountain biking and concerts—to help level out ski areas’ seasonal economies and provide steady job opportunities for the people who make up these communities.
