SAM Magazine-Washington, D.C., July 29, 2010-Legislation introduced into the U.S. Senate this week would encourage the development of more summer activities at ski areas around the nation by revising the National Ski Area Permit Act of 1986, which governs ski area use of public lands. A similar bill was introduced in the House by Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) earlier.

The Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act, introduced by Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.), would grant the U.S. Forest Service the power to permit "other seasonal or year-round natural resource-based, outdoor-developed recreational activities and associated facilities (in addition to skiing and other snow-sports) as the Secretary determines to be appropriate." Such appropriate activities might well include a host of activities that resorts are already offering, such as mountain biking, summer concerts, and Alpine Slides, as well as new activities, such as ziplines and canopy tours.

In short, the new bill would both update the 1986 National Ski Area Permit Act to align it with activities already taking place on National Forest land and explicitly provide for the addition of new activities. The bill would give the Forest Service leeway in determining what activities might be "appropriate" on a given National Forest. The bill adds that, "to the extent practicable," new activities should "harmonize with the natural environment of the National Forest System land on which the activity or facility is located."

In the past, the Forest Service has permitted summer uses that it considers "ancillary" to winter activities, or activities that are similar to those permitted elsewhere in the National Forest system.

The latitude granted to the Forest Service to determine what is appropriate has drawn opposition from some environmental groups, who worry that the bill could be interpreted to allow a wide range of activities, such as mini golf and water parks. This opposition, and the general lack of cooperation between the political parties in Washington, pose a barrier to the passage of the bills this year. If they don't pass, then the bills would have to be reconsidered afresh in the next session of Congress beginning in January 2011.

Still, the tide has turned in favor of some additional development of recreational opportunities, and business, on the National Forest. "Ski areas are a critical part of our state's recreational and tourist economy-but many struggle to provide jobs during the summer months," said Sen. Udall. "My bill would help provide some stability by making it clear that biking, concerts, and other recreational activities are welcome where the Forest Service finds them appropriate."

Affected resorts should contact their Senators and Representatives and urge them to support the bill.

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