Snowmobilers Track up North Walton Peak
On December 6, 2003, three of us went to enjoy a few hours of backcountry skiing on Walton Peak (south side of Rabbit Ears Pass, west side-in the nonmotorized zone). What we found was a beautiful hill tracked up with many snowmobile tracks making it dangerous to ski. An avalanche class being led by the Colorado Mountain School saw all of the snowmobiles. The CMC leader signaled to the snowmobilers to stop and talk. Not one of them did. In fact, one of the snowmobilers came within a few feet of class members, going fairly fast. Given the limited visibility, the snomowbiler could easily have hit someone as he crested the face of North Walton Peak, where the CMC class members were conducting beacon searches. As we were leaving a group of 6-8 more snowmobiles arrived at the peak. Numerous arm wavings, signals, etc., were ignored. They proceeded to track the peak up even more.
North Walton Peak is one of the few places in the nonmotorized zone on Rabbit Ears Pass where skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a pitch allowing more than a few turns. Snowmobile tracks, noise, and fumes ruin the experience for those seeking solitude. They are also dangerous due to their speed and the ruts they leave in the ski hill. We hope the Forest Service will work on the Winter Travel Management Plan this year as discussed in December 2002. Something especially needs to be done before someone gets hurt.
North Walton Peak. December 6, 2003
North Walton Peak. December 6, 2003
North Walton Peak. December 6, 2003