Breckenridge, CO – The U.S. Forest Service earlier this month approved Epic Discovery, Vail Resorts’ plan for summer activities at its Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado.
Included in the plan are zip lines, canopy tours, challenge courses, a climbing wall, observation tower in Horseshoe Bowl, off-highway vehicle tours, hiking and biking trails.
The Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011 (SAROEA) provides authority for mountain resorts operating on National Forest System lands to offer an expanded range of outdoor recreation activities in order to further recreational opportunities for the public, allows year-round utilization of existing resort facilities and stimulates job creation and economic growth within local communities. The projects proposed for Breckenridge align with the Congressional intent of SAROEA, according to White River National Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams, who approved the projects on November 16.
“I wanted my decision to engage a wide audience of summer visitors by encouraging them to discover their National Forests, many of whom have never even been to a National Forest much less on a ski slope,” Fitzwilliams says. “I believe this suite of approved projects will provide a blend of activities that give a range of experiences for an increasingly diverse recreating public—from those seeking unguided hikes or bike rides by themselves and a more intimate engagement with the forests and natural surroundings, to those wanting more adventure- and thrill-based activities in the mountains of the Tenmile Range”.
Ski resorts on the White River National Forest in Colorado provide recreation opportunities for over 7 million visitors annually which mostly occur in the winter months. The activities approved in this decision are projected to accommodate up to 150,000 additional guests on national forest lands at the resort during the summer months.
“We have a unique opportunity to connect so many people to the national forests and the outdoors in a confined, developed area,” said Roger Poirier, the forest’s Mountain Sports Program Manager and team leader for the project. “While there are a spectrum of activities planned for families and guests, the activities are not all about thrill and adventure. The project includes a number of interpretive and educational activities and exhibits as well.”
The Epic Discovery proposal was submitted in February 2014, and has undergone a comprehensive environmental review. Vail Resorts expects to begin construction of trails, activities and the interpretive program during summer 2016.
“We’re excited to be able to move forward and begin implementing the Epic Discovery program – including new activities, experiences and educational opportunities – and to have it under way for summer 2017,” said John Buhler, chief operating officer of Breckenridge Ski Resort. “As always, we are grateful for our continued partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and applaud their diligence and thoughtfulness in ensuring activities in the national forest will remain nature-oriented and educational for all guests.”
Epic Discovery summer activities have already been approved at Vail Resorts’ Vail Mountain in Colorado, and at Heavenly in California and Nevada.