Ski resorts post season rules?

[Funrover]

I was wondering if anyone knew if I would be allowed to go up on ski runs that are closed for the season? Just curious, thanks!

[Patrolman]

To my knowledge, it is the same way as it has always been. The ski resorts lease the slopes from the forest service during the ski season. Outside of that time, it is public access. When I was in college, there is even a 4wd trail that utilizes part of the maintenance road for Purgatory. I believe there are only a few exceptions where the ski area is entirely on private property.

[alexb]

Do the ski resorts lease exclusive access or just the space/rights to the lifts?

[Patrolman]

I think it varies between areas depending on the property lines, but I think most of the areas own the base lodges, etc. The lease generally extends to the rest of the land including the runs/lifts. They must have new or extended leases for Summer activities. Unsure how that works. Some areas such as Berthoud Pass were completely on FS land I think. That is what the FS burned the lodge down several years ago after taking out the lifts.

[ExplorerTom]

There is a 4wd trail up Peak 10 at Breck. It crosses the ski runs several times. Not sure on the access, but could be an easy way to get some free rides up the mountain for your ski bike.

Keystone Gulch is another.