Rendezvous Ski Trails (Lolo Pass)

This enhancement project tests a parking fee for winter recreation at the Lolo Pass area on the Lochsa Ranger District of the Clearwater National Forest. Revenue from this project was used to plow the parking lot, remove snow from the walkways, groom the ski trails, sign both the ski trails and snowmobile trails, supplement fee collection costs for the program, as well as provide for additional public programs such as avalanche seminars and training. Revenues were not used for grooming snowmobile trails at this time. Local snowmobile clubs through other funding sources, including snowmobile registration revenues, currently supports snowmobile trail grooming. Entrance signs were erected informing visitors of the fee.

FEE SCHEDULE

• $20.00 for a season pass
• $5.00 for a daily pass
• $2.00 for a re-issue of a season pass
• $5.00 for a second vehicle in a family when a season pass is purchased
  

CHANGES PLANNED FOR 2002

• Avalanche seminars and programs;
• Contributions to snowmobile grooming;
• Increased/improved cross country ski trail grooming
  

SPECIFIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Due to snow conditions income was approximately 60% of what was expected
  therefore accomplishments were less than previous year
• Approximately $12,000 contributed to grooming 8 miles of cross country ski trails; groomed
  up to 3 times per week
• Approximately $3,000 contributed to State of Montana (MDOT) for parking lot plowing
• $2,500 contributed to the local snowmobile club for snowmobile trail grooming
• Contributions to weekly avalanche testing and reporting