January 2004
Vail Pass Update
The Backcountry Snowsports Alliance continues to work diligently to improve conditions on Vail Pass. This is an important area because of its diverse terrain and close proximity to the Front Range, and the Backcountry Snowsports Alliance remains dedicated to participating in the process and collaborating with other users to determine the most effective solutions.
The most recent meeting between the Vail Pass Task Force and the U.S. Forest Service resulted in changes in allocation of non-motorized recreation areas. Most non-motorized users will likely view these changes in a positive light. Recent developments include the following: the Searle Pass area (Searle Pass to Machine Gun Ridge) above Janet's Cabin is now non-motorized; the Wearyman Bowl area (South and West of Shrine Peak) is now 100% non-motorized; the entire length of the Commando Run trail (from the Lime Creek Road to the Vail Ski Area) is now non-motorized, and the Jackal Hut ridge (from the Ranch Creek trailhead over the ridge to Pearl Creek) is also non-motorized.
As has been the case for some time, the bike path between Copper Mountain and Vail Pass is non-motorized; the area east of the Black Lakes ridge continues to be non-motorized, and the area west of Black Lakes ridge is open to motorized use; the groomed route from Vail Pass to Shrine Pass is motorized only, and there is a designated non-motorized route in the non-motorized West Tenmile valley floor located parallel; and Lime Creek Road is multiple use until Bowman's Shortcut to allow non-motorized access to Commando Run. Corral Creek and the area north of I-70 are also non-motorized in total.
A new map has been produced - which incorporates these changes - to help educate all users on designated travel and play areas. Also, efforts are underway to provide better on-the-ground signs and trail markings to increase compliance. With these extensive new changes we must be patient. It will take the Rangers on the ground several years to educate and enforce the new map.
The VPTF has also purchased a grooming snowcat and is managing the grooming in-house in order to provide good grooming of some motorized routes at reasonable expense. The VPTF thinks it is important to provide good grooming because a defined, well-maintained motorized corridor will encourage snowmobiles to stay on designated routes. Closer management of grooming operations should allow more funds to be spent on other management solutions that would improve the experience for all users.
The Backcountry Snowsports Alliance will continue to work hard to come up with collaborative solutions on Vail Pass that will benefit backcountry skiers, snowshoers, snowboarders, and other recreationists. We invite you to visit this area, use it, and let us know your thoughts.