Dear Aspen Highlands ski patrol,

I apologize for ducking under a rope to enter a closed ski area Tuesday. Ski Patrol was setting off avalanche-control bombs in Deep Temerity and I deliberately ignored the ski boundary.

I am writing this apology letter to inform locals and visitors to respect the boundaries that ski patrol sets, especially when they are protecting skiers and snowboarders by using avalanche preventative controls. I knew better than to duck under the rope. But, the fresh powder was too tempting to wait.

Ducking the rope and ignoring ski patrol’s significant efforts to protect us is a selfish endeavor. The repercussions could include losing your pass for two weeks, police intervention and serious injury. Please learn from my mistake and do not duck under ropes on the mountains.

Once again, I am truly sorry for ducking the rope.

Thomas Azar

Aspen