Where We Work - the Colorado Backcountry

Colorado Backcountry

If you are aware of other areas where we should be working, please contact us.

We represent the interests of non-motorized winter backcountry users -- skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and others -- in the Rocky Mountains. We try to get areas designated as non-motorized in the winter so that you can enjoy your winter sport without the noise, exhaust, or danger of encountering a motorized vehicle. Much of our work so far has been concentrated where non-motorized interests often collide with motorized interests: Colorado's high passes traversed by roads.

Since 1988, the BSA has been active in the Vail Pass area, where an equitable management plan is now in place and separation of use is now enforceable. Steamboat Springs is home to the BSA's second chapter, which was formed in February 1998 and works on issues of concern in the Routt National Forest and in the Buffalo Pass area. Since January 2001, the BSA has been working on separation of winter use at Wolf Creek Pass.

The BSA has been also been actively involved in the White River National Forest management planning process. As other forest plans are revised in Colorado, we are participating in the process to ensure that appropriate areas are being designated as non-motorized. Currently the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG) are in the early stages of revising their plans.