February 2000
National Coalition Formed
From out of Colorado's backcountry comes a new national coalition that will provide a single voice representing backcountry skiers, snowshoers, and snowboarders. The BSA hosted 15 individuals representing groups from California, Colorado and Idaho met on February 2 at Vance's Cabin near Tennessee Pass to discuss the idea. While there were some concerns regarding the time and energy a national group would require, everyone was in agreement that the time was ripe, and the vote was unanimous to forge ahead!
The new group will be a coalition of existing groups, such as the BSA, who are already working on issues of non-motorized winter recreation. The group will provide a single voice for the winter non-motorized community as well as facilitating communication between groups and with the US Forest Service and State and Federal governments. Sarah Michael, President of the Nordic and Backcountry Skiers Alliance of Idaho, will act as President.
If you are interested in learning more about the national coalition, please contact
Sarah Michael
P.O. Box 3186, Sun Valley, Idaho 83353
(208) 726-1842
skiersalliance@sunvalley.net.