Uphill skiers flock to the mountains, prompting further bans

After Colorado ski areas ceased operations March 15 by order of the governor, hardy skiers just couldn’t stay away. Long rows of cars were parked along highways as skiers made their way under their own power to the top of the slopes.

In response to the crowds, several ski areas have specifically prohibited such “uphill skiing” during the coronavirus shutdown.

Video of Highway 6 at Loveland Pass lined with cars last weekend was widely shared across social media and Colorado news outlets, prompting criticism of possible violation of social distancing practices. Ski area management was also concerned about the safety of those using slopes at the closed resorts.

Related article: Stay home, locals tell outdoors enthusiasts seeking coronavirus getaways

“It was obviously extremely busy,” said John Sellers, marketing director of Loveland Ski Area. “It’s not really supporting the directive of minimizing group size and potentially putting too much of a burden on local law enforcement and emergency services.”

Subsequently closed to uphill skiers were Loveland, Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain and Sunlight ski areas.

Uphill access will be prohibited for a period of time covered by Gov. Jared Polis’ executive order (which has closed ski areas until April 6) and “any subsequent amendments extending that timeframe,” said a news release from Loveland and the U.S. Forest Service, which manages the land.

In uphilling — or alpine touring — skiers use equipment that allows them to ascend a slope, then ski down.

One of the widely viewed videos was tweeted on the account of Parker the Snow Dog, “unofficial mayor of Georgetown” and Loveland Ski Area’s mascot.

At one point in the video, Parker’s owner slows down to call out to some skiers grabbing their equipment out of the trunk.

“You know you’re parked right in an avalanche path, right?” he calls out.

“Yeah, it’s all good,” a skier responds.

The video has sparked intense debate. Some people are calling the video unfair, saying there is plenty of open space for social distancing. Others argue that the backcountry may be clear, but not the gas stations, restrooms or parking areas potentially used by skiers.

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