Senator Barrasso Wants to Give Ski Areas a Lift

Ski areas located on Forest Service land would be able to allow summertime activities, such as mountain biking and concerts if a bill moved forward by the Senate Energy Committee on Thursday becomes law. The Ski Area Recreation Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011 was introduced by U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) along with senators from Colorado and Utah to change permitting rules and hopefully increase tourism.

The current 1986 law only allows ski-related activities in Forest Service ski areas. Barrasso says this bill would amend the law so that recreational sports outside of just alpine and Nordic skiing, such as snowboarding, are allowed. It would also mean the Forest Service could authorize year-round activities to help level out ski areas' seasonal economies.

Today, bipartisan members of the Energy Committee voted to boost local economies by increasing recreational opportunities. By giving ski areas year round business and recreational opportunities, our bill will create jobs and increase tourism in Wyoming and across the nation.
-Senator Barrasso