This past winter, there were at least four incidents of cars driving on and damaging ski trails in the Spring Gulch system on the Thompson Divide. The area has also been a hot spot for unauthorized parties, and many of those parties have left significant debris. The weekend of March 7-9, partiers set fire to a porta-potty in the Marion Gulch parking lot. Others destroyed the Finlandia ski trail, one of the last remaining trails in good condition, by driving the length of it in their vehicles.
The Sopris Sun interviewed Mount Sopris Nordic Council (MSNC) executive director Rachel Bachman Perkins for more details about the vandalism the nonprofit has had to endure and remediate.
Was there a notable increase in incidents this winter compared to previous years?
Partying in parking areas has been a frustrating issue for many years. It was coupled with shooting of signage and other parking lot/trailhead amenities in the past. Thankfully, it seems that people have taken their “target practice” elsewhere over the last decade. Someone put a firework in the porta-potty at the Thompson Lot in March 2024, but that was the only incident last season. This winter, we had another firework incident in December, but the driving on trails and incineration of the toilet were new and more extreme.
Have any other vandalism incidents occurred since March 7-9?
The ski area officially closed on Sunday, March 16, so there was only one weekend left in the season where we were at risk (since gates are locked when the ski area is closed). There was evidence of another bonfire and a box of nails were collected by staff, but there was no additional damage to trails or facilities.
Is there an approximate monetary cost for repairs that MSNC wants to share publicly?
We have not yet received an invoice for the toilet replacement, but anticipate it will be around $1,500. Damage to the trails from driving required additional staff hours and shortened the season. We didn’t have enough snow to truly fix the trail surface/cover dirt that was pulled up by tires. We estimate these damages were valued between $2,500 to $5,000.
Does MSNC have recommendations for the community to discourage this kind of behavior by teens?
The MSNC encourages parents to talk with their teens about the damage, costs and community impact associated with these behaviors. A single standard pallet has almost 80 nails — leaving these behind in a parking area risks costly tire damage. In addition to harming the environment, trash and party debris are a burden for the staff or volunteers left to clean up the mess. While teen partying is a greater issue, we hope local youth understand the importance of Leave No Trace ethics, and think about how their “fun” could negatively impact the greater community.
Do you know if the individuals who were caught face community service to better understand the consequences of what they did?
The MSNC is handling this in partnership with the families and the landowners. We do not have information to share publicly at this time.
What can community members do to help mitigate the damage?
The MSNC encourages skiers to remain attentive and to speak up if they notice partying or other misuse of the trails. If you notice unauthorized gatherings, bonfires or other suspicious activity in the parking areas or on the trails, please report it immediately to the Sheriff’s Department and the MSNC. Note that the Thompson Parking Lot is in Pitkin County and the Marion Parking Lot is in Garfield County.
Are MSNC or the partner landowners taking actions to limit the chances of future vandalism?
MSNC is working closely with local law enforcement to prevent future vandalism and ensure accountability. This summer, a fence will be installed around the Marion parking area to protect the trails from unauthorized motorized vehicle access, and additional cameras will be placed in parking areas and throughout the trail system to enhance surveillance.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
I think it’s important to note that this is a problem that plagues the greater Thompson Creek region (including the dispersed private land parcels) as well as public land on Prince Creek and the Crown — rural locations that are infrequently patrolled. I can’t speak directly for the landowners, but know they feel burdened by trash removal from bonfires and individuals who shoot trash, as well as by deterring illegal campers and trying to reduce dog-cow interactions on open range areas (since these can make cows more ornery and increase human-cow incidents).
The Spring Gulch Nordic Trail System, managed by MSNC, is possible thanks to the generosity of the North Thompson Cattlemen’s Association and Crystal River Ranch. These private landowners allow the limited contractual use of their lands each winter. You can support the Mount Sopris Nordic Council by becoming a member.