Coexisting with Wildlife on Ski Slopes: A Guide for Safe Encounters

In the picturesque settings of Colorado's ski resorts, wildlife encounters are becoming increasingly common, posing both a wonder and a warning to visitors. At Breckenridge Ski Resort, located 80 miles west of Denver, a large moose recently made an unexpected appearance, highlighting the growing interactions between wildlife and ski enthusiasts. According to Tom Davies, a district wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), such encounters, especially with moose, are not only fascinating but can also be fraught with danger.

The Moose: A Majestic Yet Unpredictable Resident

Moose, known for their unpredictability, are considered one of the most dangerous wildlife species to encounter during the ski season. Since their introduction in the 1970s in Colorado, their population has boomed, making sightings on ski slopes a not-so-rare event. With the ski recreation attendance up by 6.6 percent from the 2020-2021 season to 2022-2023, the instances of moose encounters have notably increased, including sightings of moose racing down slopes and navigating through lines at chairlifts.

Wildlife Conservation Efforts and Public Safety

To mitigate the risks and protect both wildlife and visitors, Colorado ski resorts, operating under a U.S. Forest Service land use permit, adhere to stringent wildlife conservation measures. These include roping off areas within ski boundaries and closing certain trails that serve as vital habitats and corridors for wildlife such as deer, elk, and, consequently, mountain lions. Adam Bianchi, a ranger for the U.S. Forest Service Dillon district, emphasizes the delicate balance between ensuring public access and protecting species. The increase in novice backcountry travelers venturing off-trail, encouraged by mapping apps and other technologies, poses additional challenges to maintaining this balance.

Guidelines for Safe Wildlife Encounters

For those visiting ski resorts this winter, the advice is clear: respect wildlife and their habitat. The general rule, as stated by Davies, is simple yet profound - if you don’t bother the animals, they won’t bother you. This sentiment is echoed by wildlife officials who stress the importance of minimizing disturbances to wildlife, especially during the winter months when their resources are scarce. The ethos of "leave no trace" is as crucial in winter recreation as it is in warmer months, urging visitors to be mindful of their impact on the natural environment and its inhabitants.

A Shared Responsibility

As ski season beckons, the encounters with wildlife serve as a reminder of the shared habitats we inhabit. The efforts by wildlife officials and ski areas to implement mitigation measures are a testament to the ongoing commitment to conservation and safety. As visitors, embracing a responsible approach to winter recreation can ensure that these majestic landscapes and their wild inhabitants can be enjoyed safely, now and in the future.