Colorado helicopter skiing operation seeking permit
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: AP
Federal land managers have recommended a heliskiing operation get a five-year permit on more than 13,600 acres of public and private land in the Silverton area. The Bureau of Land Management released its preferred alternative today for Telluride Helitrax, which takes skiers to the backcountry by helicopter.
The permit would allow the company to use eight jumping-off points and up to 300 service days a year. A service day is one person skiing one day. At the end of the five years, the permit would be re-evaluated for possible extension, and the company could apply for more than 300 service days.
Telluride Helitrax had asked for 10-year permit, 16 jumping-off points on 37,000 acres and up to 600 service days a year.
