White Pine Ski Area closed to mechanized travel
Snowmobiles not allowed in the ski area or on cross-country ski trails
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
February 26, 2012
The Bridger-Teton National Forest reminds Forest visitors that the White Pine Ski Area, located north of Pinedale, Wyoming, is closed to motorized vehicle use, including snowmobiles. Designated cross-country ski trails on the Pinedale District are also closed to motorized vehicle use. These closures are identified in the 2011/2012 Wyoming State Snowmobile Trails Map for the Pinedale area.
Motorized vehicle closure of the White Pine Ski Area and cross country ski trail system is necessary to address public safety as well as resource and facility protection. Prohibiting snowmobile use is a standard practice within ski areas and on cross country ski trails throughout the National Forest System. Both ski areas located on the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Jackson have similar regulations in place regarding motorized use.
Unauthorized snowmobile use within the White Pine Ski Area has not been an issue over the past several years because the resort was fully operational from 1999 through the summer of 2011. This winter, the ski lifts and restaurant service have been closed at the request of the resort owners. Although the resort facilities are not open, the resort owners remain responsible for the facilities and operations within the White Pine Ski Area permit boundary.
The plowed access road and parking area at the base of the White Pine Ski Area will remain open to wheeled vehicle access and parking this winter. The remainder of the Ski Area is closed to all motorized use, except as authorized for the Citizens to Save White Pine, the current resort permit holders for White Pine.
Motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles, are allowed throughout much of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, except within areas closed for visitor safety or resource protection, such as the White Pine Ski Area. Motorized use is not allowed within designated Wilderness or within Wildlife Winter Range.
The Forest Service will be enforcing the motorized vehicle closure at White Pine and throughout the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Snowmobilers are urged to obtain a current (2011/2012) Wyoming State Snowmobile Trails Map regarding winter closure areas before traveling on the Forest. Wyoming State Snowmobile Maps of the Pinedale area, as well as other areas within the Bridger-Teton National Forest, are available at the Wyoming State Trails website at www.wyotrails.state.wy.us/. Maps are also available at Forest Service offices in Pinedale, Big Piney, Kemmerer, Afton, Moran, and Jackson.
Visitors are encouraged to check avalanche forecasts prior to each trip, and to check the ice depth before traveling across lakes and streams. Avalanche forecasts can be found at www.jhavalanche.org.
As a reminder, Wyoming State Registration Stickers are required for snowmobiles traveling on State-groomed snowmobile trails. Funds from this program are used for trail grooming. Stickers can be obtained at the Pinedale or Big Piney Ranger Stations, Bucky’s Outdoors, Country Lane Groceries, Rim Station, Top Shelf Arctic Cat, and Sublette Co. Treasurer’s office. For more information on the snowmobile sticker program, visit www.fs.fed.us/r4/btnf.
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