Summit County Citizens Voice

The White River National Forest scoping map for proposed improvements at Beaver Creek. Click for a full-size view.

New trails sought at Eagle County ski area. Forest Service begins environmental studies with public comment phase

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — The U.S. Forest Service and Beaver Creek Ski Area are starting to study a plan that would add a new women’s downhill race course and new giant slalom course, the latter using parts of existing trails on Grouse Mountain. The proposed improvements would be in preparation of the 2015 FIS Alpine World Championships.

White River National Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams started the process with a notice of intent in the Federal Register aimed at soliciting public comments.

According to the Forest Service, the proposal is designed to enhance and sustain Beaver Creek’s ability to provide a world-class venue for Alpine ski events. The project area is within Beaver Creek’s Forest Service-administered Special Use Permit boundary.

“We look forward to working in partnership with Beaver Creek as they look at ways to enhance the visitor experience. What Beaver Creek has proposed is an appropriate use of the National Forest, but it must be accomplished in an environmentally sensitive manner,” Fitzwilliams said. “Many people don’t know that Beaver Creek is the only alpine ski racing venue on the World Cup circuit that is entirely held on public land in the United States.”

In order for Beaver Creek to continue to host international Alpine race events (including, but not limited to the 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships) and provide the highest quality experience for the large number of attendees and spectators, a number of infrastructure projects and improvements are proposed, including:

• A new women’s downhill racecourse
• A women’s giant slalom racecourse using portions of existing ski trails on Grouse Mountain
• Modifications to the existing men’s downhill racecourse
• Replacement of Red Tail Camp and expanded finish area
• A new domestic water tank to supply the new Red Tail Camp facility and Beano’s Cabin

Over the coming months the White River National Forest  will start work on an Environmental Impact Statement. The Forest Service hopes to make a final decision in about a year.

Interested public may read and comment on the project proposal by visiting the WRNF website.  Select “Land and Resources Management,” then “Projects,” and “Beaver Creek Mountain Improvements.”  For further information on this project, please contact Don Dressler, Winter Sports Administrator, Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District, at (970) 827-5157 or drdressler@fs.fed.us.

Filed under: ski industry, Ski Resorts, skiing and riding, Summit County Colorado Tagged: | Alpine skiing, Beaver Creek, Federal Register, FIS Alpine World Championships 2015, Grouse Mountain, NEPA, Summit County Colorado, Summit County News, White River National Forest, Winter Sports, WRNF