October 25, 2003
The Fate of Berthoud Pass: Non-motorized for Now
With the October 22nd expiration of the permit for ski operations at Berthoud Pass, the future of winter use on the pass is open to reconsideration. On October 9th, the US Forest Service (USFS) held a public meeting to discuss the management of the area. The meeting, which was attended by a variety of interested parties, was specifically intended to begin a dialogue concerning challenges and opportunities on the pass, to share information about the history and future of the pass as well as USFS processes, and to begin identifying priorities for activities on the pass.
History. The ski area opened in 1937. Since 1987, four parties have tried to run a downhill operation at the area. In 1999, SolVista took over the operation, running it as a downhill skiing operation until 2002, then as a snowcat skiing operation until 2003. Due to unmet financial requirements, SolVista ceased operations and allowed its permit to expire. Last spring, lifts were removed. The lodge, which SolVista still owns, remains on site. Although, the USFS approved SolVista's plan for removal of this building, it won't happen until next spring or summer.
Current Activities. Two years ago, the Forest Supervisor put into place an order prohibiting motorized vehicle use in the permitted area. At the meeting, the BSA asked how long the order would remain in effect. Jim Bedwell, Forest Supervisor, said the order could be removed at any time, but because of the area's proximity to two wilderness areas, opening the area to motors in summer or winter would be inappropriate. CDOT has said it has no plans to plow the parking area this winter, although SolVista claims that CDOT will ultimately plow the area to provide a turn-around area for their trucks, which would provide some parking for winter users.
Future. Any new proposals to use the area will require a new permit. New permits will be issued following USFS policies and procedures. This process involves public input and a significant (and often lengthy) review process including NEPA (National Environmental Policy Analysis). Any proposed use must be consistent and compatible with the purposes for which the lands are managed.
Discussion at the Meeting. Groups making brief statements at the meeting included Colorado State Parks, CDOT, Friends of Berthoud Pass, Continental Divide Trail Alliance, Clear Creek County Historical Society, and Grand County Planning Commission. A number of people supported an expedited permit process so an entrepreneur could establish some kind of economic development for the area as quickly as possible. No one provided specific examples of what that development would entail. Other than winterizing the building, SolVista has no plans to maintain the lodge.
When asked whether the Forest Service has plans for a fee-demo proposal for the area, District Ranger Daniel Lovato, said that the Forest Service hasn't even considered a fee establishment for the area, but money will be needed to manage the area.
During small group sessions, the desired attributes and uses for the area were discussed. Common themes included natural features (views, habitat, divide), history/heritage, multiple uses for recreation and education. Desired uses included rest stop, backcountry skiing, lodging/gift shop, hiking, education/interpretation, and first aid.
For now, Berthoud Pass remains non-motorized and the BSA will continue to be actively involved in the planning process for the area.