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Colorado Ski Safety Act
Order Number 2026-01 applies to areas under special use permits for Powderhorn, Telluride, and Crested Butte ski resorts on National Forest System lands within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. The order is intended to protect public safety and forest resources. The order ensures compliance with the Colorado Ski Safety Act. It remains in effect from February 20, 2026, through February 20, 2031, unless rescinded. See order for details.
Alert Start Date: February 20, 2026
Alert End Date: February 20, 2031
Order Number: 2026-01
Contact Information
Contact Name: Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Supervisor’s Office
Contact Number: 970-874-6600
Associated Documents
Forest Order
PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and § 261.50(b), the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests described below and shown on the attached maps incorporated into this Order as Exhibits A,B and C hereinafter referred to as the “Described Area”:
- Going into or being upon the Described Area when in violation of Colorado Revised Statue Title 33, Article 44, specifically including, but not limited to, Sections 105 and 109, also known as the Colorado Ski Safety Act of 1979. 36 CFR § 261.53(e)
EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2)].
- Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting service in the performance of an official duty.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR § 261(A).
DESCRIBED AREA
The Described Area includes all National Forest System lands which are under special use permit by Powderhorn Resort, Telluride Ski Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort. The Restricted Areas are depicted on the attached maps, as Exhibits A, B and C.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is protecting the health and safety of National Forest visitors and to protect the resources within the boundary of the developed ski areas.
IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order shall be in effect from February 20, 2026, at 09:00 a.m. through February 20, 2031, at 09:00 a.m., unless rescinded.
- Maps identifying the Described Area are incorporated into this Order as Exhibits A, B, and C. For a digital version of this Order and these maps, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/gmug/alerts.
- A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
- Further information regarding this Order may be obtained from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Supervisor’s Office in Delta, Colorado at 970-874-6600.
- This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.
This Order shall be in effect until rescinded or until February 20, 2031, whichever occurs first.
CHAD STEWART
Forest Supervisor
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
Maps
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