Forest Service Releases Draft Decision For Steamboat Resort Improvements Project

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service has released the environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact for the Steamboat Resort (Steamboat) Improvements Project. The proposed action seeks to improve available recreation opportunities for visitors at the ski area. After considering public comments, alternatives, and the analysis in the environmental assessment, Forest Supervisor Russ Bacon, deciding official, has released his draft decision notice.

Steamboat Resort is in the Park Range, on the eastern edge of Steamboat Springs, Colo., and is an authorized permittee of the Routt National Forest.

The purpose of Steamboat’s proposal is to make terrain, road, and lift network improvements. An adjustment of Steamboat’s ski area operational boundary to encompass Fish Creek terrain would be authorized, along with widening and grading along Sundial and Why Not ski trails, as well as road improvements to Four Points Road. New snowmaking would be authorized, as well as potable water and utilities infrastructure improvements. Additionally, a new restaurant would be authorized on top of Sunshine Peak. This project would improve the intermediate terrain and visitor experience at Steamboat by making the Sunshine pod more accessible.

A project-specific forest plan amendment would be authorized to address project activities occurring in proximity of known raptor nests, both active and inactive.

The release of this draft decision initiates the 45-day objection period. Individuals who submitted timely and specific written comments during the 30-day comment period initiated in April 2020 have standing to file an objection to the draft decision notice.

Project documents are available for download on the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland project webpage.