COPPER MOUNTAIN

Forest Service announces comment period for Copper Resort expansion

The White River National Forest seeks public comment on newly proposed recreation enhancement projects at Copper Mountain Resort.

Copper Mountain’s goal is to improve the year-round recreation experience for national forest users, according to a news release. Proposed projects include the installation of snowmaking infrastructure to provide additional early-season coverage within the existing terrain network, development of an intermediate mountain biking trail, and construction of an alpine coaster near the Center Village area and American Flyer chairlift.

“These projects will help connect people to their National Forest while at the same time improving the year-round guest experience at Copper Mountain Resort,” said Dillon District ranger Bill Jackson. “In particular, we are excited about the additional snowmaking coverage on the West Encore and Collage trails, which will allow the U.S. Ski Team additional early-season training opportunities.”

The U.S. Forest Service is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to consider and disclose the anticipated environmental effects of implementing these projects. As part of this process, a public open house will be held at The EDGE, located at 0050 Beeler Place, Copper Mountain, in the Sky Chutes Theater from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

This comment period is aimed at providing an opportunity for the public to have early and meaningful participation in the process, as well as learn more about the proposed project. Representatives of both the White River National Forest and Copper Mountain will be on hand to answer questions and provide more information.

Comments will be accepted through March 11, 2016, electronically through the project website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=48633, or by mail:

Scott Fizwilliams, Forest Supervisor

c/o Roger Poirier, Project Leader

900 Grand Avenue

Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Copper Mountain names new director of sales and marketing

Copper Mountain Resort announced longtime ski industry veteran John Monson as its director of sales and marketing on Thursday, Feb. 11.

He has more than 20 years of experience in the industry after starting at Copper Mountain in the early-2000s. Most recently he comes from Sugar Bowl Resort and Royal Gorge Cross Country in Lake Tahoe, where he served as director of sales and marketing for the past seven years.

“I’m truly thrilled to be rejoining the Copper community and can’t wait to start contributing toward the continued success of this great resort,” he said in a news release. “I’ve always considered Copper my home mountain, and it’s going to be a privilege to lead the sales and marketing efforts through some very exciting seasons ahead.”

Monson, his wife Bridget and their two small children are relocating from Truckee, California to Summit County. As the director of sales and marketing, he will report directly to Jesse True, senior vice president of the resort, and will oversee day-to-day operations of the sales and marketing teams, as well as play an integral role on the resort’s executive leadership team.

BRECKENRIDGE

Women’s ski week planned for ski resort

Breckenridge Ski Resort presents its second annual Women’s Ski Week, Feb. 13-21.

The weeklong event dedicated to women and snow sports will encourage moms, sisters, daughters and girlfriends to get the most out of the mountain and town, and will connect them with other like-minded women who also love the snow. The list of available activities includes ski and snowboard lessons, dinners, a movie night and more.

To get a detailed look at the Women’s Ski Week calendar, or to learn more about all Breckenridge Ski and Ride School programs geared toward women, visit: http://www.womensskiweek.com.

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Parks and Wildlife offers snowmobiler safety certification

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is offering another snowmobile safety class, on Saturday, Feb. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Steamboat Lake State Park.

In Colorado, riders between ages 10-16 who wish to operate a snowmobile on public lands must take the class and earn a safety certificate or be supervised by someone who is older than 16, or by someone who is 14 or older and holds the certificate. Riders over the age of 16 are not required to have a safety certificate, but it is strongly recommended.

“The goal is to get educated and hopefully avoid getting into a life-threatening situation while you are out enjoying winter,” said Robert Seel, senior park ranger and class instructor, in a news release. “Everyone will learn about snowmobile safety including operation, rules of the road, safety, proper trail etiquette and Colorado laws.”

There is no charge for the safety course, though a valid pass is required to enter the park, located at 61105 Routt County Road 129, north of Steamboat Springs. Portions of the class will take place outdoors with weather conditions potentially ranging from mild to extreme. Appropriate winter clothing is strongly recommended, and bringing lunch, snacks and water is encouraged.

Space is limited, so call the park to reserve a spot at (970) 879-3922. For more information about Steamboat Lake State Park or snowmobile safety, including tips, suggested equipment and laws, visit: http://www.cpw.state.co.us and search for those specific subjects.