Steamboat, Colorado – Steamboat Ski Area implemented a new policy this season to deter inexperienced skiers and riders from venturing into the backcountry. There are warning signs at all backcountry access gates and on Steamboat Resort’s new trail maps informing people that backcountry rescue involving ski patrol may cost up to $500 per individual.
The goal of this new policy is to reduce the number of unprepared people who venture out of the ski area boundary and into the wild snow and big terrain of the uncontrolled backcountry. Ski Patrol Director John Kohnke estimates that roughly 500 people exit the gates every day. The main zone in Steamboat where people get in trouble is Fish Creek Canyon.
Backcountry rescues are expensive and it puts rescuers at risk – particularly Steamboat’s ski patrol. SteamboatToday.com writes that “During the busy season, ski patrollers are called to perform two or three rescues each week.” Colorado state law does not charge for SAR rescues in the backcountry, but ski areas and patrol can. Both SAR and USFS have supported the fine. Fines will be implemented at the discretion of the resort.
According to the article from SteamboatToday.com, Steamboat is the first ski area to implement this type of fine. Other ski resorts may apply similar fines in the future.
What are your thoughts about out of bounds rescues?
