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Cheney takes another hit - in Jackson Hole

SECOND-HOME LAND — You could call it the war of second-home owners. Thomas Friedman, a second-home owner in Aspen, is calling for the head of Dick Cheney, a second-home owner in Jackson Hole.

SECOND-HOME LAND — You could call it the war of second-home owners. Thomas Friedman, a second-home owner in Aspen, is calling for the head of Dick Cheney, a second-home owner in Jackson Hole.

Friedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The New York Times, has been taking aim at the U.S. energy policy that presumes an oil-based future. He argues that policy forces U.S. dependence on volatile foreign countries and denies the reality of climate change. He describes Cheney, the vice president, as the head-in-the-sand architect of that policy.

Previously, Friedman has called on President George W. Bush to can Cheney. In a column last week about the dangers posed by Iran, Friedman was at it again.

"If the Bush team continues to let Dick Cheney set its oil policy – one that will keep America dependent on crude oil – the post—cold war democracy movement that was unleashed by the fall of the Berlin Wall will be either aborted, diluted, or reversed," he wrote.

Feds likely to pay for airport

HAILEY, Idaho — The Federal Aviation Administration has tentatively approved $50 million for a new airport to service the Ketchum and Sun Valley resort area.

The existing airport, at Hailey, is considered too small to safely handle new and larger jets. A new airport with an 8,500-foot runway is being planned to the south, outside of the mountains, on federal Bureau of Land Management property.

Airport proponents say they can get another $31 million by selling the land used for the existing airport, much of it purchased with FAA money. As well, another $8 million in FAA grants are expected, with another $2.9 million in passenger facility charges tacked onto airline tickets. Another $5.5 million is projected from various other sources.

Second-home study slays myths

DURANGO, Colo. — A common perception in Durango is that second-home owners are arriving in droves, building mansions, causing britches-busting growth.

But the Durango Telegraph reports that a new study finds all three are myths. The reality is that only 29 per cent of local property is owned by people with non-local mailing addresses, far less than in other Colorado mountain communities.

The study, called "The Social and Economic Effects of Second Homes in Southwest Colorado," also finds that the double-nesters generally live in modest dwellings. "La Plata County has this idea about trophy homes," explained Laura Lewis, an economic planning director for the regional council of governments. "But what we saw in the study was that non-locals’ homes actually tend to be condos and are not high in value. The trophy homes you see tend to be primary residences."

In fact, non-locals only own 17 per cent of single-family homes, the study found. In contrast, they own 55 per cent of the condominiums. The average square footage for locally owned properties is 1,943 square feet compared to 1,831 square feet for those owned by people with out-of-county mailing addresses.

The final myth that the study slays is that Durango and La Plata County are growing at out-of-control rates. In fact, the county grew 3.1 per cent in population during the 1990s, and since then has been growing at 1.4 per cent annually – far more slowly than most resort areas of the West. Most planners figure that growth rates of 3 per cent are easily within control.

The study also finds that jobs associated with second homes pay a little better. In La Plata, jobs associated with second homes were responsible for 9 per cent of jobs, but 11 per cent of income. Resorts provided 28 per cent of jobs but 18 per cent of income. Mining paid 4 per cent of jobs but 12 per cent of income.

Size matters

ASPEN, Colo. — County commissioners in Pitkin County, where Aspen and Snowmass are located, have capped the size of all new houses in unincorporated areas at 15,000 square feet.

The cap has been discussed since Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the former ambassador from Saudi Arabia to the United States, built a 55,000-square-foot mansion in an Aspen suburb some years ago. Regulations imposed since then, reports The Aspen Times and The Denver Post, have made larger houses increasingly difficult and expensive.

Still, one or two houses of that size or larger are built on average every year. While the official cap had been 5,750 square feet, builders could exceed that limit by purchasing transferable development rights originating on old mining claims in backcountry parts of Pitkin County.

Who decides what house is too big? That’s the big question. Michael Owsley, a county commissioner, noted that 15,000 square feet is about the size of the county courthouse. The larger the house, the greater the impact upon the community infrastructure, he said.

A contrary point of view was expressed by Ed Foran, president of the Aspen Board of Realtors, who questioned whether county commissioners "should be making philosophical decisions like that." But, he said, there’s no question that some people can afford such big houses. "The demand is absolutely there," he said.

The Post reports that in nearby Eagle County, where Vail and Beaver Creek are located, the largest home sold last year had 10,500 square feet. One home in Aspen currently on the market for $35 million has 14,300 square feet.

The Times noted that meetings at which the cap was considered were more heavily attended by people with a financial interest in larger homes being allowed. "It’s money," said County Commissioner Dorothea Farris. "It’s greed." Mick Ireland, another county commissioner, said that commissioners must "weigh the voice of people with a direct financial interest, with the people as a whole."

Hotel could keep bobsled

PARK CITY, Utah — A large hotel could be in the offing for the area where the bobsled and luge were held in the 2002 Winter Olympics. A Chicago-based development firm, Terrace Development, had wanted to build it in the Sun Peak area of Summit County, near Park City. But neighbors have been adamantly opposed to the size, 275,000 square feet.

While the county commissioners have indicated a willingness to approve a hotel only half the size, the Salt Lake Tribune reports discussion of relocating the hotel across the hill, to the Utah Olympic Park. For that to happen would require approval of the Utah governor and approval of a real-estate deed transfer by the legislature.

John Bennion, president of the foundation that operates the firm, clearly likes the idea. He told the Tribune sale of the land would add several million dollars to the Utah Athletic Foundation endowment, which funds the park. Bennion said the hotel would bring high-end tourists who might want to shell out $200 for a bobsled ride. Those new visitors would also bring new sponsors for ski jumping and bobsled racing, he said.

Ski towns getting greyer

SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. — The ski towns of the West continue to get ever more grey. Included in this trend is Summit County, where the rate of population growth among those 55 and older is twice as fast as for those in younger age cohorts.

Part of this aging phenomenon is people retiring to resort communities, but it also reflects a baby boomer population who moved to the ski towns decades ago and are now entering their gray-haired or at least hair-dyed years. National data show that 70 per cent of people who retire upon turning age 65 stay in the same place. That same proportion is expected in Summit County.

Teen charged with homicide

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — A charge of misdemeanor homicide has been filed against a 17-year-old from Maryland who last winter crashed into a 29-year-old woman while riding a snowboard. The woman died. If found guilty, the teenager could spend up to a year in jail, reports the Jackson Hole News & Guide.

Slide claims life of patroller

MAMMOTH, Calif. — It’s been a tough month at Mammoth. Three people died after hitting trees or rocks, and another died on the slopes. Then, on Feb. 1, a trio of ski patrollers were in the backcountry on a day off when they triggered avalanches.

One of the ski patrollers, Johanna Carlsson, died. The Sheet says the woman was not buried, but her companions recognized immediately that she had sustained multiple life-threatening injuries, including a broken back, femur, and head injuries. The avalanche occurred in the morning, and despite the strength and preparedness of the ski patrollers, who managed to call for help by noon, their companion had not been retrieved by a helicopter until about 5:30 p.m. She was immediately taken to a hospital in Fresno that specializes in spinal injuries.

The ski patrollers, described as experienced backcountry travelers, were traversing a 35-degree slope when the avalanche occurred. Slopes of 30 to 45 degrees are generally considered most prone to avalanches.

Bow Vally goes Green

CANMORE, Alberta — Although Alberta generally is conservative, the Bow River Valley is a strong exception, as was evident in the recent federal election. A candidate of the Green Party, Sean Maw, captured 27 per cent of the vote in Canmore, and only slightly less in Lake Louise and Banff. The winning candidate has a strong record of social conservatism, notes the Rocky Mountain Outlook.

No snow on school days

AVON, Colo. — Solar eclipses come more often than days when school is called because of snow in the Eagle Valley, much to the chagrin of some local students.

Consulting with various old timers, the Vail Daily reports one 33-year veteran of the local school district can remember just two times when school was called – and one of them was because of frozen pipes.

In Summit County, across Vail Pass, school has been closed twice in the last five years. If the drivers, several of whom live in other counties, can get across the mountain passes into Summit County, it’s a go. But if police call and ask that buses be kept off roads, it’s an easy decision, explained Miller Hamner, the school superintendent.

As for Lake County, where Leadville is located, snow days are even more rare. "When I took this job six years ago, I was told, ‘Oh, by the way, there’s never been a snow day called in Lake county," Schools Superintendent Bette Bullock told the Daily. She has sustained the streak.

Illegal immigrants flee

I-70 CORRIDOR, Colo. — Nine people from the Mexican state of Chiapas have been turned over to immigration officials after they were found trying to walk to the Eisenhower Memorial Tunnel, the world’s highest vehicular tunnel. They ranged in age from 17 to 34.

According to a report by the Associated Press, the immigrants told authorities their homes had been destroyed by a hurricane, so they decided to go to South Caroline to joint relatives. Pooling their money, they purchased a Suburban once they got inside the United states. It broke down near the tunnel, and so they tried to go through the tunnel, which is when police were alerted.

The six men and three women fled from the 11,112-foot tunnel and into the forest when a state trooper approached. The snow was six feet deep. Summit County Search and Rescue was summoned. When found, the immigrants were wearing light shirts and blue jeans. The temperatures the night before had dropped to minus 20. All were found to be in good health.

Recall efforts underway

GRANBY, Colo. — It’s not even March, and tempers are getting short in Granby. A group of main street businessmen (no females reported) are out for the mayor’s head, with recall petitions now being circulated.

At least at a distance, the mayor seems to be of good humor and above-average intellect. What’s the problem?

Patrick Brower, publisher of the Sky-Hi News, theorizes that the business owners and managers feel they are producing the town’s paycheck, but are unable to vote in town elections – because they mostly live outside the town.

"Some business people think the town simply isn’t in touch with the problems of downtown Granby businesses," writes Brower. "I don’t think this is so, but that’s what they think."

Deep Temerity draw crowds

ASPEN, Colo. — Who says bells and whistles don’t sell lift tickets? Aspen Highlands several years ago opened up its famous bowl, and skier days have been increasing ever since.

A new chairlift, called Deep Temerity, was installed last summer, and this year numbers are even stronger yet. While The Aspen Skiing Co. is reporting a 5 per cent increase in business at its four ski areas, company officials credit Highlands with being the largest single part of the story.

In the 1990s, Highlands constituted only 7 per cent of the company’s business. Through January of this year, it was more than 13 per cent. In addition to the bowl, various other modern lifts have been added at Highlands.

Still, even if Highlands could comfortably increase its skier days from the 167,000 skier visits recorded last year to perhaps 200,000, it probably will never equal the record set in the go-go ’70s, when more than 300,000 skier days were recorded in at least two winters.

Meanwhile, Highlands’ surging popularity means fewer skiers on Aspen Mountain, especially on powder days.

Bark beetle epidemic continues

I-70 CORRIDOR, Colo. — While the coldest temperatures in several years were recorded during December, they were neither sufficiently cold nor sustained to kill the pine beetles that have been waxing in population in forests from Granby to Vail to Steamboat Springs.

Worse, with snow six feet deep around many trees, the beetles that have bored into the bark actually have more insulation

As such, local and federal officials are girding for another summer in which the tree-killing beetles will continue to expand.

There never was a realistic hope of stopping the beetles. Instead, the goal is to protect forested areas like ski areas, campgrounds, and along the edges of towns, as well as in areas that are important for municipal water supplies. As well, in places where scenery is a big part of the economy, whether in hosting tourists or in selling vacation or retirement homes, the aesthetics of splotchy-looking forests are a critical concern.

Vail Resorts estimates it costs $100 to remove each infested tree and prevent the beetles from flying to other trees. That’s in an area thick with roads, making access easy. A study by Colorado State University researchers estimates the total cost per acre of removal at $1,500.

Officials in the hardest-hit area estimate the need for a budget of up to $14 million this year, and budgets of up to $30 million in subsequent years, reports the Summit Daily News. But going to meet U.S. Forest Service officials in Washington D.C., they were told that shrinking budgets will provide little money, unless pooled with state and local funds.

One idea being discussed is creation of a special taxing district that would cross county lines. Funded by property mill levies, it would function like a water conservancy district.

The best of seasons…

ASPEN, Colo. — Come February, and it continues to be a story of two winters in Colorado.

From Crested Butte north, the story is one of snow plenty, with spots of spectacular depths in some locations. Minturn, located near Vail, is running out of places to put the snow, as is Steamboat Springs, where the ski area had recorded 300 inches as of early February, compared to 324 for the average full season.

Vail’s snowpack was reported 42 per cent higher than average, and Summit County was reported to be doing even better. In the Aspen area, the Roaring Fork River drainage altogether was only 13 per cent above average, although more impressive numbers were reported on the ski hills. January’s snowfall was 54 per cent above average, reported The aspen times.

Southward, despite some confidence-restoring storms during January, the snowpacks continued to be subpar. Moreover, Colorado’s Eastern Slope – where there are very few ski areas – continued to be well below average. Statewide, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Colorado’s snowpack was only 99 per cent of average.

Four charged with sex crimes

DILLON, Colo. — A 35-year-old woman has been charged with prostitution, as have three of her alleged clients, men all in their early 20s, reports the Summit Daily News.

Crested Butte debating merits of expansion

CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. — Crested Butte continues to debate the merits of a ski area expansion that is informally called Snodgrass Lite.

Snodgrass would give Crested Butte more intermediate terrain. Officials say that is crucial to getting more free-spending destination visitors and getting existing destination guests to return. Crested Butte, as compared to resorts such as Steamboat and Vail, has a low return rate. Too many visitors, unable to ski the XX-rated runs, get bored after two or three days of skiing the existing green and blue runs, ski area officials have said.

And, as explained by to Mountain Town News by John Norton, now a consultant to Crested Butte, the resort needs to get a critical mass of 500,000 to 600,000 skier days annually to operate efficiently. In recent years, after ending its ski-free promotions, Crested Butte has reported 300,000 to 400,000 skier days.

Mt. Crested Butte, sitting next to the ski slopes, seems more inclined toward the expansion. Farther away, the old coal-mining town of Crested Butte trends against it. In fact, a group calling itself Friends of Snodgrass has collected the signature of 900 people opposed to the new ski area.

"We feel that Snodgrass Mountain has more value economically to our community without ski lifts on it," Vicki Shaw, a Friends of Snodgrass member, told the Rocky Mountain News. The newspaper also finds evidence of resentment against vacation home owners and the real-estate boom that has already resulted, in part, from the expected expansion.

Ski terrain in Colorado has overall expanded far more rapidly than skier days in the last decade. However, those who have been able to expand have, in many cases, also yielded more skiers.

Telluride enjoyed a spurt after its Prospect Bowl expansion. Beaver Creek, which has expanded primarily on private land, has grown most rapidly of any Colorado resort in skier days. An expansion of lodging is also considered key to that growth in skier days. Vail, despite the most significant expansion of terrain in the nation, has not gained skier days. However, it also has not seen a corresponding increase in skier days.

New terrain park still in progress

IDAHO SPRINGS, Colo. — Last year brought plans to reopen two long-abandoned ski areas in Clear Creek County, immediately west of Denver. The ski areas had been closed about 25 years ago, when ski industry numbers began to plateau.

While one area, at St. Mary’s Glacier, remains in the incubation stage, the other ski area, called Echo Mountain Snowboard and Ski Park, is getting up and running more slowly than had been planned. The Rocky Mountain News reports that no date has been set, and the general manager, Doug Donovan, has not been returning phone calls, although last month he reported a goal of sometime in February.

Why the interest in the small, close-in resorts when Colorado has so many big resorts not much farther away? The model seems to be the Los Angeles Basin, where Mountain High has been posting big numbers on a small dribble of acreage about 45 minutes (on a good day) from downtown LA. It is filled with Echo Boomers, a.k.a. Gen Y, skateboarders turned free-skiers and snowboarders, doing tricks in terrain parks. Hence, snow can be made for small areas that get less natural snow, which is the case in both locations.

Gunnison County may rein in wood-burners

GUNNISON COUNTY, Colo. — Gunnison County is revisiting the issue of air pollution from fireplaces in unincorporated areas.

Like Vail, Aspen, and many towns in more developed areas, the towns of Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte require fireplaces and woodburning stoves that meet Environmental Protection Agency standards to minimize emissions. Gunnison County almost went the same route in 2003, but instead gave wood-burners the option of paying $1,000 in lieu of installing stoves that pollute less.

But with two of the three commissioners on the board now new, the board will take a new look at it. "Air quality doesn’t have boundaries," said Hap Channell, one of those new commissioners.