As Coloradans begin their first weekend under the statewide
“stay-at-home” order, backcountry skiers are considering the wording of the
governor’s order.
By 9:30 a.m. Saturday, cameras showed the Berthoud Pass
parking lot already filling up with skiers and riders. A popular spot for
backcountry, with the closures of uphill access at Winter Park Resort and
others, some backcountry organizers fear that the overcrowding at the pass
could lead to further shutdowns.
The Friend of Berthoud Pass, a nonprofit for the
preservation of the pass, reposted a statement from the Colorado Backcountry
Ski & Snowboard group pleading recreationists to think about their actions
in relation to the local backcountry area.
“Loveland
and Winter Park ski areas, as well as Rocky Mountain National Park, were
originally open to recreation but due to crowding had to close,” the statement
said. “Crowding at other areas could lead to the same thing, further adding to
the stress on any remaining open areas, potentially leading to further
closures.”
Many enthusiasts have pointed out that the executive order
does allow for recreation “to
engage in outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking, Nordic skiing,
snowshoeing, biking or running.”
However, on Friday, Gov. Jared Polis emphasized that recreation should take place close to home and pointed out that the pandemic “is not a vacation.” Backcountry representatives reflected the sentiment.
“The roads throughout the state will remain open explicitly for necessary travel,” the statement said. “We highly recommend you recreate within your own county.”
While Berthoud Pass remains open, the US Forest Service
closed the warming hut and restrooms to prevent gatherings.
“We love the backcountry, but we should all come to understand just how self-serving of an activity it really is,” the statement concluded.