Washington, DC – Several years after it was first introduced by U.S. Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO), a bill to expand summer use of ski resorts on National Forest land passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week with little fanfare.

H.R. 765, also known as the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011, would amend the the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 to permit activities beyond the alpine and Nordic skiing already allowed in ski areas on public lands. Such uses would include zip lines, mountain coasters and alpine slides as well as mountain biking and concerts.

“My bill would help the mountain communities create jobs and boost their economies while creating more recreational opportunities for Coloradans to visit the mountains,” Udall said.  “It’s time for the Senate to follow the House’s lead and pass my bill on the floor.”

While it’s acknowledged that many ski resorts on USFS land already offer such amenities, the authorization for their construction and use isn’t clearly defined by rules the 1986 law in place now. USFS head Tom Tidwell confirmed earlier this summer that his agency is already drafting rules to put into place if and when the bill is written into law.

The Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved the bill in July. It now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.