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Home My WebLink Aboutbocc.res.004.2008RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO, ADOPTING THE PITKIN COUNTY NORDIC TRAILS PLAN RESOLUTION NO. C1G~~ -2008 RECITALS WHEREAS, The Aspen-Snowmass Nordic Council (ASNC) was established over twenty years ago for the purpose of preserving and improving cross-country skiing in the Aspen- Snowmass area, and has a defined goal to provide seamless skiing experience with high quality Nordic trail platforms connected to and within the community centers in Pitkin County. WHEREAS, in 2006, the Pitkin County voters approved inclusion of funding for nordic program in the Open Space and Trails mission, and the ASNC serves as advisory council to the Open Space and Trails Board (OSTB), in its continued oversight of the nordic system. WHEREAS, the OSTB, ASNC and City of Aspen desired to create a comprehensive Pitkin County Nordic Trail Plan to identify the Council's goals and vision for the nordic trail system, and provide design guidelines and serve as a reference document for staff, city and county governments, other interest agencies, and the general public. VVHEREAS, the ASNC has produced a final draft of the Pitkin County Nordic Trails Plan after conducting an extensive public scoping process, involving focus groups, public review of master plan documents and consultation with City and County staff. WHEREAS, on December 6, 2007, the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Board accepted Nordic Trails Plan and recommended it for adoption to the Board of County Commissions. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Pitkin County, Colorado that The Pitkin County Nordic Trails Plan, dated/~~/~-07 is hereby adopted and effective immediately. INTRODUCED, FIRST READ, AND SET FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON DECEMBER 19, 2007. N TICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PUBLISHED 1N THE ASPEN TIMES WEEKLY ON l l~vti ~..~ r 3 G , 2007. ~ ADOPTED AFTER F1NAL READING AND PUBLIC HEARING ON JANUARY 9, 2008. ~ ~ PUBLISHED BY TITLE AND S ORT SUMMARY, AFTER ADOPTION,IN THE ASPEN TIMES WEEKLY ON v~.v 6 , 2008. date) ATTiES,T: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ~ ~ -. 1 , ;, 1 ; By , By: ~;~~'.~°`~ ~_z ~ , Jeane Jones Jack;~Iatfield, Chair ~n Deput County Cler Date: ~ ` 0 ~ APPROVED AS.~O FO ~ ~-..__. ~.._w . ,-.~_._..._.. John Ely, County Attorney ~_.,.u.. - MANAGER APPROVAL ~,1; } t,: ~ ~ ~~~ -~-. - ~t.:~l ~..t .' v ~ i, . ~~~~ r~,.C,-ti_. ~%-~ Hilary~Fletcher, County Manager ~) ~ °G' Pitki n Cou nty NordicTrails Plan ~ Final Dra ft December I 2, 2007 ~ r^~ ~ ~ "~ ~. ' .~ ~a~ CREDITS STAFF Dale WIII, Director, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Program GaryTennenbaum, Pitkin County Open Space andTrails Land Steward JeffWoods, City of Aspen Parks and Recreation Manager Stephen Ellsperman, City ofAspen Parks and Open Space Director Austin Weiss, City of Aspen Trails Coordinator PITKfN COUNTY OPEN SPqCEAND 1RAl~S BOARD Hawk Greenway Anne Rickenbaugh Jesse Boyce Tim McFlynn Franz Froelicher GTY OFASPEN OPEN SP~CE AND Tf~FlILS BOARD Fred Peirce, Chairman Howie Mallory Jesse Boyce Arthur"Boots" Ferguson Charlie Eckart Phillip Jeffreys ASPEN SNOWMASS NORDIC COUNGL Ben Dodge, President Mirte Mallory, Vice President Howie Mallory, Secretary Robin Ferguson, Treasurer Peter Looram David Polovin Bob Wade Casey Ward J.E. DeVilbiss, City of Aspen, City Council representative Michael Hutton, Aspen Skiing Company representative John Will<inson, Town of SnowmassVillage,Town Council representative Pickin County Board of County Commissioners representative Assisted by: Design Workshop, Inc. Aspen, Colorado Austin Weiss C~ty ofAspenTrails Coordinator Acknowledgments The Aspen Snowmass Nordic Council would like to thank all the supporters of the NordicTrail System, especially those people who attended the Plan meetings. Specia! thanks to contributors to the Plan document induding Cherrie Galante, Scott Messina and Bob Wade for the use of then- photographs, Mark Pearson for the maps and Wan-en Ohlrich for- the adapted existing trail descriptions. Decembe+ ! 2, 2007 F'ti<n ~otn (y Nariiic 7r::iis Pk;r; ~ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Aspen and Snowmass are among the foremost destination ski resorts in the world. Atong with four world-class alpine ski areas, the upper Roaring Fork valley offers extensive cross-country skiing opportunities with over 100 kilometers of groomed trails.The Aspen Snowmass NordicTrail System (NordicTrail System) is maintained by Pitkin County Open Space and Trails and overseen, in an advisory capacity, by the Aspen Snowmass Nordic Council (Nordic Council).The Pitkin County NordicTrails Plan (Plan) is the culmination of over 20 years of community participation and experience with the NordicTrail System.This document formalizes the short and long term goais of the Nordic Council to improve and expand the cross-country skiing experience in the mid to upper Roaring ForkValley. The Aspen Snowmass Nordic Council seeks to continue its goal of providing a seamless skiing experience with high quality Nordic trail platforms connected to and within the community centers in Pitkin County This may be achieved by resolving methods of roads crossings and acquiring critical trail easements. In addition, this document outlines plans for future trail improvements and additions to the cross-country skiing system.This document includes the design guidelines required for maintaining the trail system, as well as facilities and operations goals. There was great community support during the process of developing the Plan, as well as public recognition of the excellence of the NordicTrail System and the work of the Nordic Council. Also, during the process it became apparent that there is an increased need in the mid-valley Pitkin County communities for trails opportunities similar to those available in the Aspen and Snowmass areas. A strong mid-valley support group also exists. This document highlights the community benefits provided by cross-country skiing and reinforces the importance of securing existing and future trail corridors such that the NordicTrail System is not compromised in the future by increased development or climate change.The Nordic Council has reaffirmed its commitment to building a legacy of linking communities through an inclusive, high-quality, and enduring NordicTrail System. Finally, a primary objective of this Plan effort is to have the relevant governmental entities - Pitkin County Open Space andTrails Board, Pitkin County Commissioners, City ofAspen Council, City ofAspen Open Space &Trails Board, theTown Council of SnowmassVillage andTown Council of Basalt, adopt the proposed Plan so that: • where relevant, their respective Community Development departments incorporate the Plan in their review of land use applications and; • that the Nordic Council becomes a referral entity to the Community Development departments when properties/easements identified in this vision are in transition. December I2, 2007 Pitkin County Nordic 7rails Plan 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS BACKGROUND I. The Role of the Nordic Trail System in the Community ............ 2 2. The Aspen Snowmass Nordic Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 • History • Pitkin County Open Space andTrails Board • Organizational Structure • Existing Partner Groups 3. Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System Existing Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . 4 • Overview • Hubs and Spokes of the NordicTrail System • Aspen Snowmass Vicinity F~cisting Nordic Trails Map • Other Existing NordicTrail Systems in Pitkin County • Users • Access to NordicTrails • Operations 4. The Planning Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 • Public Input and Meetings • Comparable Plans • Plan Adoption Arocess and Referral Opportunities • Use of the Plan THE VISION I. Vision and Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 2. NordicTrails Design Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 • Variety ofTerrain • Guidelines for Grooming Chart • Photographic 6camples ofTrails Grooming Categories 3. NordicTrail System Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 • Road Crossings-Over, Under, At-Grade • Signage • Facilities • Access and Parking December 12,1007 Pitkin Counry Nordic Trails Plan ~ 4. Guiding Principles forTrail Improvements and Expansion. . . . . . . . . . . .17 5. Nordic Trail System Proposed Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ( 9 • Aspen Vicinity NordicTrails Opportunities • Map l: Aspen Vicinity NordicTrails Map • Snowmass Village Vicinity Nordic Trails Opportunities • Map 2: Snowmass Vrltage Vicinrty Nordic Trails Map • Mid-ValleyVicinity NordicTrails Opportunities • Mop 3: Pitkrn County NordicTrai(s Opportunities Map • Long termTrails Opportunities 6. Nordic Trail System Outreach and Collaboration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 • Partnering and Coordination • User Groups • Outreach APPENDIX: EXlST1NG NORDlC TRAlLS DESCRIPTfONS December I2, 2007 Pitkin Counry Nordic 7rails Plan ~ BACKGROVND -.~ _--- .~„--~- _ .~--~~ ~ ~~.. ~ :~~~~~, ~, ~ ~~ & ~.,~ ,,~, ~ ~,~ . ~. . ! : ~ ~ R .. ~" December I 2, 2007 ' Pitkin County NordicTrails Plan U I. THE ROLE OFTHE NORDICTRAIL SYSTEM INTHE COMMUNITY As an integral part of the community fabric, Nordic trails are an extension of the summer trail system. They provide winter recreation, tourism, community health opportunities, and alternative transportation. These cross-country ski trails create connections between the City of Aspen, the Town of Snowmass Village, and the Town of Basalt. As such, the Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System is one of the premier systems in the country. Over the past twenty years as the quality of skiing continues to improve, the use of the trails by diverse audiences has increased dramatically.The cross-country ski and snowshoe trails are utilized by individuals, families, local schools, the senior center, the recreation department and the Aspen Valley Ski Club. These groups enjoy different aspects of the ski trails from day tours, to athlete training, to family excursions, to moonlight tours. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are an excellent complement to alpine sl<iing. Increasingly, alpine skiers venture onto the Nordic trails in between days up on the mountain thereby experiencing a different side of the Roaring ForkValley. The community benefrts are summarized as follows: Community -The Aspen Snowmass Nort~icTrail System (NordicTrail System) and related events provide opportunities for exercising and social interaction. Recreational centers become focal points for communities, especially if centers for different but compatible uses are grouped together. For example, the Aspen Recreation Center, the Aspen Valley Ski Club, and the public schools are all close together and serve as a hub for a network of Nordic skiing trails. Encouraging people to recreate and exercise out of doors promotes a healthy lifestyle. Economics -The valley's strong economics are based on the resort town nature of the up- valley communities, especially Aspen and Snowmass Village. Nordic skiing is a winter recreational activity that supplements or pr~ovides an alternative to downhiil skiing - sometimes called the "5th Mountain:' The Aspen Cross Country Center and the Snowmass Cross Country Center provide rental equipment and lessons to customers of whom many are vacationing with an alpine skier, Nordic skiing attracts visitors for both Nordic recreation and racing with special events such as the NorAm "Owl Creek Chase:'With more recreational opportunities, people e~end their stay furthering contributions to the economy. Environment-As the NordicTrail System's connect+vity improves, Nordic ski+ng becomes an alternative mode of commuting, similar to bicycling in summer, resulting in decreases in car use. Nordic skiing's environmental impact is less than other heavy infrastructure sports and the activity is adaptable to climate change due to the ability to locate trails at higher elevations.The Nordic Council strives for high environmental standards. For example, the Nordic Council has helped implement a tree-planting program and the 2007 Owl Creek Chase was a carbon-neutral event. 2. THE ASPEN SNOWMASS NORDIC COUNCIL History The Aspen Snowmass Nordic Council (Nordic Council) was formed in the early 1980s as a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and improving cross-country sl<iing in the Aspen and Snowmass area at no charge.The Nordic Council was first supported by extensive grassroots donations, plus the City of December 12, 2007 Pitkin Counry NoidicTrails Plan I Aspen, Pitkin County, and theTown of Snowmass Village. In the late 1980s these entities joined together in an Inter-governmental Agreement (IGA) to help ensure the continued success of the system.The City of Aspen has done an excellent job of administering the funds collected through the IGA and working towards a seamless trail experience. Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Board In 1990,the Pitkin County Open Space andTrails Board was formed to oversee the acquisition and management of open space and trails in Pitkin County.The Board was responsible for all activities that might occur on the open space parcels, including land management and the development of multi season trails. The activities of the Board and the staff members have been supported by a mill levy tax that has been approved by the voters of Pitkin County several times for periods of multiple years. In November 2006, voters approved the Pitkin County Open Space andTrails mill levy re-authorization, which included funding the NordicTrail System in Pitkin County until 2020.Thus the full funding responsibility for the NordicTrail System and the activities of the Nordic Council were transferred to the Pitkin County Open Space andTrails program. The Nordic Council acts in an advisory capacity to the Pitkin County Open Space andTrails Board. Its role is to oversee and direct the general operation of the NordicTrail System. Its mission is providing quality Nordic trail platforms.This requires seamless (uninterrupted) sl<iing and acquisition of trail easements. Organizational Structure Currently, the Nordic Council continues to function as an IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt not-for-profit organization.While basic funding forthe NordicTrail System will be from the Pitkin County Open Space Board, the Nordic Council can continue to receive private funding,The community contributes to the Nordic Council, through small individual contributions collected in boxes at the trails and during an annual membership fund raising campaign.Also, many individuals (landowners) contribute in-kind by donating trail easements or constructing critical trail links and road crossings. Nordic Council funds have not been used to acquire trail easements.Trai~ alignments are either donated by private landowners for winter use only, or they are acquired through the local jurisdictions based on the recommendations of the Pitkin County Open Space Board. The funds provided by Pitkin County are used primarily for base operations including trail maintenance, staffing and equipment. Funding for additional proposed improvements to the NordicTrail System would be evaluated on a case by case basis.The City of Aspen Parks Department staff maintains the system through its trails program under the direction of the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Land Steward. The Nordic Council may assist in coordinating acquisition of winter trail easements.Trail ownership and easements are held by the agencies that purchased or otherwise obtain them. The Nordic Council coordinates with the appropriate jurisdictional organizations to maintain, enhance and secure trails. Currently the jurisdictional organizations are Pitkin County, the City ofAspen, and theTown of Snowmass Village. As the NordicTrail System expands, theTown of Basalt may be included, see "The Vision" section of the document. December 12, 2007 Pitkin County NordicTrails Plan /6 Existing Partner Groups Due to the diverse locations of the trails and their close relationship with community infrastructure, partnerships with counties, towns and cities are necessary.To date, the Nordic Council coordinates with the following partners for diverse needs: • City of Aspen and Town of Snowmass Village • Aspen Skiing Company - access to the Government trail, use of the Snowmass Golf Course, crossing of both the Snowmass and Buttermilk(T+ehack ski areas, and parking • Roaring ForkTransit Ager-cy (RFTA) - provides transit connections, grooms sections of the Rio Grande Trail • Maroon Creek Club - Maroon Creek Club trails • Co~orado Department ofTransportation (CDO~ - access, snowplows for parking • Aspen Cross-Country Center and Snowmass Cross-Country Center • Private landowners, Homeowners Associations and Metropolitan Districts on whose land trails or easements are located • Regulatory agencies such as the United States Forest Services on whose land trails or easements are located 3. ASPEN SNOWMASS NORDIC TRAIL SYSTEM EXISTING CONDITIONS Overview The Aspen Snowmass Nordic trail system distinguishes itself as one of the largest free cross-country ski systems in North America. With over I 00 kilometers of groomed skiing, the majority of the system is maintained for both classic and skate skiing (although some trails are classic-only). Daily trai{ grooming is done with efther small snowcats or snowmobiles. Hubs and Spokes of the NordicTrail System The NordicTrail System currently has three physical hubs:two privately operated cross-country centers located on golf courses central to the communities of Aspen and Snowmass Village (Aspen Cross Country Center and the Snowmass Cross Country Center) and the Aspen ValVey Ski Cfub (AVSC) Clubhouse on the Aspen High SchoolTrails.The cross-country centers offer a variety of facilities including ski rental, food and beverage, restrooms, and showers. The AVSC Clubhouse is the central hub for all youth ski programs. The traifs extending from these hubs are wide, providing for classic and skate sl<iing with a range of easy to intermediate terrain.These trails are the most heavily used, highly maintained, have the widest tracks, and offer multi-use opportunities. The NordicTrail System's spokes offer several distinct ski experiences. For example, east ofAspen along the Roaring Fork River, the North Star Nature Preserve provides a mellow, contemplative ski while the Aspen High SchoolTrails are challenging and heavily used fortraining, coaching, and racing purposes.The Owl Creek Trail provides a rolling and scenic ski between Aspen and Snowmass leading to the varied terrain and trails at Snowmass Village. Des'ignated dog-friendly trails are included in the NordicTrail System allowing peop{e to ski and walk with the'ir dogs.~hese trails include theVillage WayTrail extending from the Snowmass Village Base Area to the Two Creeks lift, the Bernese Boulevard on the Aspen Golf Course, and the Marolt Property Loop.The Rio GrandeTrail, Maroon Creek Road, and Independence Pass are afso dog-friendly areas (though not all inc{uded in the NordicTrail System). See the ExistingTrails Map, following, and the ExistingTrail Descriptions in the Appendix. 4 December 12, 2007 Pitkin Counry NordicTrails Plan /~ December I 2, 2007 Pitkin Counry Nordic Trails Plan a f ~ J ~ H u 0 oc O Z t7 Z F- ~ >C w ~ H Z u > ~ ~ a 3 0 z N Z W d N Q ~ ~ ~. . .... .... .. ~ 'i. _",.~ ,. a ~o , , o , '_,~ ~~~_: -' a e , _ .~ '" L ~ d v d ~ V ~ L' ~ ~ ~ l0 0 3y 0 0 ~~.r .. -, c cn ~ ~---~ ,' '~°' : ~ r ~:: 5 1~ Other ExistingTrail Systems in Pitkin County • The Rio GrandeTrail offers a Nordic ski connedion between Aspen and Basalt when snow and weather conditions permit. It is a heavily used multi-use trail that passes by communities such as Woody Creek and BasaltThe Rio GrandeTrail from Carbondale to the Catherine's Store Bridge is groomed periodically, though to a lesser degree due to minimal snow cover, by the Roaring Fork Transit Authority's trail staff. • Spring Gulch, outside of Carbondale, is managed by the Mt. Sopris Nordic Council and provides skiers with I 9 kilometers of groomed trails. • Ashcroft SkiTouring, privately owned and operated, located in the scenic Castle CreekValley south of Aspen offers very good skiing and a restaurant. • The Roaring Fork Club in Basalt is required, as a part of its PUD, to provide public Nordic ski trails on its golf course.To present, the details of how this trail network will be managed have not been resolved and grooming is sporadic. • T Lazy 7, a private snowmobile outfit located at the snow closure of Maroon Creek Road, grooms the public Maroon Creek Road for both skate and classic skiing, and even has a warming hut and beverages at Maroon Lake. Users The NordicTrail System is a wintertrail system and is used by a wide variety of people and groups.The focus of the Nordic Council is to provide platforms for recreational and competitive classic and skate skiing. Snowshoe use is allowed in designated areas (not in classic tracks) on many of its trails. Designated dog-friendly trails are included in the NordicTrail System allowing people to ski and walk with their dogs on leash. Walkers, runners, and bicyclists are permitted on designated trails only and certain trails are maintained for multi-use, with a combination of a clear (snowless) and a snow-covered platform. The winter users of snow-covered trails are as follows: • Classic skiing - recreational • Classic skiing - competitive • Skate skiing - recreational • Skate skiing - competitive • Snowshoers • Dogs and owners • Other compatible over-the-snow human-powered users Organized user groups include the following: • Youth Programs -Aspen Valley Ski Club (AVSC), Nordic Wolves (mid-valley and down-valley youth program), Aspen Elementary and Middle Schools, Colorado Rocky Mountain School • Aspen Senior Center December 12, 2007 Pitkin Counry Nordic Trails Plan /3 Access to NordicTrails One goal of the NordicTrail System is to provide cross-country skiing close to residential community centers and to provide linkages among the trails, minimizing the need for driving and parking.There are many locations to access the system that are accessible via free public transportation. Use of public transportation provides the opportunity to do long one-way ski trails. Existing cross-country centers ha~e maintained parking areas. Operations Funding for NordicTrail System staff is through the Pitkin County Open Space andTrails Program. Positions related to operating the program include: ~~ ~~~,~k~Y~w~ ~~ ~k~ Current equipment for maintaining the NordicTrail System includes the following: • Two snowcats • Five snowmobiles • Various grooming implements pulled by snowmobiles • Earthmoving, mowing and snow removal equipment • Permanent and temporary signs and trail delineators • One of each trailers for snowcats and snowmobiles • Various trucks including one with a small crane to handle heavy equipment Equipment is stored in permanent and temporary facilities - on the Snowmass Golf Course and with the City of Aspen Parks and Recreation Department. • Director, Pitkin County Open Space andTrails Program - oversees all programs related toTrails and Open Space, works closely with the Open Space andTrails Board • Pitkin County Open Space andTrails Land Steward - oversees NordicTrail System financial decisions, distribution of funds, approves budget, and provides general overview of NordicTrail System • City of Aspen Manager of Parks and Recreation oversees the big picture of the City of Aspen staffing and operations related to NordicTrails. • City ofAspenTrails Coordinator- day to day staff person for NordicTrail System, involved in all decisions relating to trails, director of trails management and operations and supervisor for winter trails staff • City of Aspen WinterTrails Staff - currently four staff members for trail maintenance under direction ofTrails Coordinator December 12. 2007 / Pitkin Counry NordicTrails Plan ~Y 4. THE PLANNING PROCESS Public Input and Meetings Obtaining public input was a very important part of the process. Meetings were planned in Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt. The meetings were advertised in local newspapers, over 800 postcards were sent to people, public agencies that had a relationship with the NordicTrail System and key people were contacted directly. In addition, a website and an email address were established at aspenrecreation.com for people who wished to comment via email. The meetings were held from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. as follows: September 5, 2007,Town of Snowmass Village, the Silvertree conference room, approximately 14 attendees including Nordic Council members September 6, 2007, City ofAspen,AspenValley Ski Club, approximately 32 attendees including Nordic Council members September I 0, 2007,Town of Basalt,Town Council meeting room, approximately 30 attendees including Nordic Council members The meetings began with an overview of the NordicTrail System as it is today.This was followed by a description of the goals for the meeting and for the Plan. The focus of the meetings was working in breakout groups to identify goals, challenges and specific trails enhancements both in written and graphic format. At the public meetings there was enthusiastic support and praise for the existing NordicTrail System and the Pitkin County Open Space andTrails Board. Each meeting group focused attention on the Nordic skiing close to its community. In addition to strongly supporting the goals of the Nordic Council, the following are the major new ideas that were reinforced at the meetings: • The system shouid grow to include more Nordic ski traiis, accommodate more users, and extend to a wider geographic area, specifically mid-vailey. • Partnerships and increased communications among all the groups related to Nordic trails should be encouraged. • Trails were identified on maps, both for improvement and new alignments. 8 The conclusions from the meetings have been integrated in this Plan document. Comparable Pians As part of the process of developing the Pitkin County NordicTrails Plan, research was conducted to identify comparable documents. Most NordicTrails recommendations were found as part of larger Trails Plans, e.g.Teton County. Grand Mesa NordicTrail System has a short document that describes their operations and goals. The Upper Blue Nordic Master Plan focuses on the creation of infrastructure and facilities in support of Nordic skiing. December I 2, 2007 Pitkfn Counry NoidicTrails Plan ~~ Plan Adoption Process and Referral Opportunities The Pitkin County NordicTrails Plan will go through the following steps in orderto be adopted by Pitkin Cou nty. • Present to and receive review and comments from the Pitkin County Open Space and Traiis Board. Refine the Plan as needed. • Post the Plan on the City ofAspen Recreation Department website to be available for pubiic revi ew. • Submit the Plan to Community Development staff for their review, recommendations and scheduling a meeting with the Board of County Commissioners. • Present the Plan to the Board of County Commissioners, with the goal of adoption of the Plan by Pitkin County. By virtue of adoption by the Commissioners, the Plan will be recognized in the Pitkin County Land Use Code as a document that may be utilized in County land use reviews. Where trail needs are identified in the Plan te~ or on Plan maps, the Community Development Department Staff may make an applicant, elected and appointed officials aware of the need, and refer the development application to the Nordic Council for comments and recommended action. It is the current goal of the Nordic Council to request adoption of the Plan by the additional jurisdictions within which NordicTrails are located including the City ofAspen,Town of SnowmassVillage andTown of Basalt.The Nordic Council would then become a referral agency to the jurisdictions that adopt the Plan. In addition, Pitkin County Open Space andTrails would like to request r~ecognition of the County's enforcement officers by the towns and city in order to ensure the best quality trail experience for users. Use of the Plan Adoption of the Plan will meet the Nordic Council's goal to become a referral agency for review of development applications that potentially contain areas for NordicTrails.The Plan will provide Pitkin County, the City ofAspen,theTown of SnowmassVillage, and theTown of Basalt a document that indicates areas that may contain alignments vital to existing conditions and possible expansion ofthe NordicTrail System, including additional hubs of the system. ,~. ~ ~~ ~ ~ _ ~'p ~:~ . ,~._ : December I 2, 2007 Pi&in Counry Nordic 7rails Plan l~ THEVISION December I 2, 2007 ' ' Pitkin County Nordic Trails Plon ~~ I . VISION AND GOALS The Pitkin County Nordic Trails Plan formalizes the long and short term goals of the Nordic Council to improve and expand the cross-country skiing experience in the upper Roaring ForkValley. The Aspen Snowmass Nordic Council seeks to continue its goal of providing a seamless skiing experience with high quality Nordic trail platForms connected to and within the community centers in the valley.This may be achieved by resolving methods of road crossing and acquiring new critical trail easements. GOAL I: Secure linkages and enhance connections for a seamless NordicTrail System in Pitkin County. • Ensure and enhance seamless connections among the Nordic skiing trails serving the urban centers of the valley (primarilyAspen and SnowmassVillage). Continue to improve linkages to outlying semi-urban areas and trails, and finally connect to the outlying trail systems. • Maintain and improve the existing trail network that serves the populated centers of Aspen and Snowmass Village. Create road crossings that go over, under or across at-grade, so that skis do not need to be removed for road crossings. • Identify and secure key trail alignments and connections in perpetuity. • Collaborate with related organizations in the area to promote the best possible winter trails experience. • Improve the signage system to inform and educate winter trail users and create a"branding" for the Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System. GOAL 2: Expand Nordic skiing areas and opportunities in Pitkin County and environs. • Identify future potential areas for Nordic skiing and prioritize opportunities. • Provide a range of experiences in the grooming and difficulty levels of the Nordic trails. • Identify opportunities for encouraging social interaction, family use, and increased Nordic ski tourism. ~2 Based on the above goals, the subsequent sections highlight the necessary components for a successful NordicTrail System and then identify the particular trails, connections, and areas of interest. December I 2, 2007 Pitluh County Nordic Trails Plan /g 2. NORDICTRAILS DESIGN GUIDELINES The goal of the Nordic Council is to offer a range of Nordic skiing experiences from wide, well groomed trails located generally in areas of higher population and that accommodate both classic and sl<ate sl<iing, to trails that are tracked by the skiers themselves and offer a more remote experience. Variety ofTerrain The NordicTrail System accommodates different widths and gradients of ski trails thereby offering varied recreational experiences. Create more variety ofterrain including: • More challenging groomed trails for racing - hiilier, more difficult terrain, especially for racing • More well groomed flat trails in mid-valley areas - generally flatter trails are more popular • More rustic woodsy trails experiences that are easily accessed from the NordicTrail System - integrate more rural and remote experiences Guidelines for Grooming Chart CATEGORIES FULLWIDTH MEDIUM NARROW NON WIDTH WIDTH MAINTAINED WIDTH 24 feet I S feet 5-8 feet N/A TRACKTYPE Dual or Single Single Classic and Skate Lane with Set by Skiers Classic and I 2- 8-foot or wider or without Classic foot Skate Lane Skate Lane Track, or Classic Track only EXAMPLES Golf Courses, Owl North Star Bernese Boulevard, GovernmentTrail CreekTrail Preserve, Moore BenedictTrail Open Space, Paved Summer Recreation Trails USER GROUPS Skiers/Snowshoers Skiers/Snowshoers Skiers, Dog Skiers and on side on side Owners, Snowshoers Snowshoers GROOMING Snowcat Snowcat Snowmobile N/A EQUIPMENT December I2, 2007 ~ 3 Pitkin Counry Nordic Trails Plan l~ Photographic Examples ofTrails Grooming Categories Full Width These traiis serve as social trails, with high intensity and multi-use opportunities. ,~~R.. ,. ~* $ ~ ~~~~~ ~. ~,"~ - ~,-; ~ _ Medium Width These trails provide a groomed platform, but more intimate natural skiing experience. Narrow Width These trails often ha~e constrained circumstances, but still offer well patronized multi-use opportunities. ,iL 14 . ~, December I 2, 2007 Pitkin County NordicTrails Plan ~~ Non-Maintained These trails provide a quiet, seciuded experience away from more heaviiy used areas. 3. NORDICTRAIL SYSTEM INFRASTRUCTURE Road Crossings - Over, Under, and At-Grade In order to provide a seamless cross-country skiing experience, it is a top priority of the Nordic Council to eliminate road crossings that require users to remove their skis.The Nordic Council proposes that all new _`__ ________~ road construction and improvements that interface ! with the NordicTrail System be designed to accommodate either a grade separated crossing for both skiing and summer trails, or a method for safe at-grade skiing across the road. a ~+-~ ~ >.~ ~~ ~~~~~ ~~:: ~r ~ ,~,~ ~~' Grade separation is a preferred choice as it not ; ~~,. `~ ~' , ~~ ~~ ,~~~~ ~~~ u}~ ~. _~. only improves the connectivity of the NordicTrail ~~= "~ System but also enhances the safety of a!I users ~~~ ~~,~,b~ ~ ; ~ }~~~~~<~I , ~ ~~~~~'•': ~`~ ~ either skiers, pedestrians, or cydists. ~""~ '{ Overpass: When possible, the preferred road '' J ' - - - - - -- ` - crossing design is a multi-purpose bridge that accomrnodates a snow load, slue~~ s, and groorning equipment, for example, the bridges adjacent to the roundabout over Castle Creek and Maroon Creek Roads.These bridges serve trail users year round and are wide enough for a Medium Width Nordic trail.This solution would be highly desirable in the vicinity of the Aspen Recreation Center (ARC} and the Aspen Valley Ski Club. Underpass: Another viable road crossing alternative is to construct an underpass. The underpass on Highway 82 west of the roundabout is a successful example; this feature connects the Aspen Golf Course and the Moore Loop traiis while also accommodating bicycle traffic. Underpasses need to be a minimum of 14' wide and I 0' high to accommodate the snowcat Underpasses are less desirable than bridges as they require considerable maintenance to keep snow in the tunnel.They can be dangerous if there is suddenly a snowless area.The existing underpass beneath Highway 82, atTiehack Road, could serve as a useful connection between Maroon Creek Golf Course trails to the south and the Burlingame housing area to the north. December I 2, 2007 Pitkin County Nordic Trails Plan 15 ~I At-Grade: The last alternative for road crossings is an at-grade crossing.There are several forms of at- grade crossings.The first option is to leave snow on the road surface throughout the winter as on the Moore driveway and the Meadowood Road. However, this is the least desirable option as it requires cantinual maintenance and monitoring with potential conflicts between cars and skiers. The second option is a new device used in Europe, the Nordic Slider.The Nordic Slider allows for an at-grade crossing without banking snow (www.nordicslider.com).The Nordic Council is eager to explor~ this altemative as it could eliminate many road crossing conflicts at a minimal cost compared to br+dges.The Maroon Creek Golf Course could be a potential location for the Nordic Slider as there are several at-grade road crossings in the area. Snowmaking: Snowmaking in select locations would extend the Nordic skiing season.With future changes in climate, the need for snowmaking to maintain Nordic trails may increase. Snowmaking possibilities on the Aspen Golf Course were foreseen when the new water system was built in 2005. Similarly, the Nordic Council would like snowmaking possibilities to be considered in other highly used cross-country areas. Signage The Planning process established the need for an enhanced signage system to serve the following purposes: • Branding ofthe NordicTrail System • Improved trail maps • Clarification of allowed trail users • Identification of levels of difficulty of trails • Availability of facilities • Interpretive opportunities I6 Maps are important components of the signage system, provide useful information, and include a legal disclaimer. Maps may be posted as signs showing users their location in the NordicTrail System. Pocket-size waterproof maps are also handy for trail users. Facilities Enhanced facilities that are related to trails and operated by partners are encouraged. New facilities will need to be approved by the relevant jurisdiction. Recreational and competitive events generally require a higher level of facilities. Trailside: Facilities allow for an extended skiing experience or a family outing and include: • Benches, picnic tab(es • Yurts • Warming cabin with wood burning stove and hot drink opportunities • Drinks and snacks • Dog waste stations • Cross-country centers with services such as food and beverage, toilets, changing rooms and showers December ( Z, Z007 Pitk~h Counry NordicTroils Plan Y Mid-Valley Hub: Consider creating a mid-valley hub or cross-country center, near transit, with services, similar to Aspen or Snowmass Cross-Country Centers, potentially at the Roaring Fork Club or Basalt High School. LitTrails: Night skiing, in designated locations only, has long been discussed by the Nordic Council and adds yet another amenity and attraction to the Nordic experience. Trees: Though not usually considered a part of infrastructure, in the case ofthe NordicTrail System,trees improve snow-retention while also increasing the intimacy of the skiing experience.The Nordic Council has invested significant amounts of money toward tree planting on the Aspen Golf Course. Operations: As the NordicTrail System expands,there will be consideration of additional needs for staffing and equipment. Safety: While efforts are made to set safe tracks, the Nordic Council provides no other services along its designated trails. Other agencies handle enforcement and emergencies. Access and Parking • Provide convenient parking at trailheads. • Provide trails in proximity to public transit. • Continue to partner with CDOT for snowplowing parking areas. 4. GUIDING PRINCIPLES FORTRAIL IMPROVEMENTSAND EXPANSION As the NordicTrail System continues to gain more use, improve, and grow, the Nordic Council has developed guiding principles to focus its efforts towards improvements and expansion. Concurrently, it is important that growth does not exceed the need for and appropriate use of trails or the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails' ability to properly maintain these tra.ils. The main challenge is to ensure high-quality grooming of existing trails along with the ability to groom trails in new areas. The first priority is to maintain the quality and integrity of the existing NordicTrail System and strive towards a seamless skiing experience: • Secure existing endangered trails where formal long-term easements do not exist, or to reroute trails to better/more secure alignments. • Resolve critical crossings so that skis do not need to be removed and the skiing experience is seamless. • Create high quality skiing platforms for all groomed trails. Improve sections of trails that do not meet the guidelines of a high quality skiing experience. Examples include trails that have not been graded properly, are very steep or trails that have problems with snow coverage due to aspect (sun exposure) or their rocky nature. • Resolve multi-use conflicts through signage, designate trails appropriately, maintain partially snow- covered and partially cleared trails, ranger enforcement, and identifying new trails for other uses. • Focus on the amount of use as more use warrants more effort. Trails close to urban areas will have more facilities, wider trails, variety of use, terrain and signage. December I 2, 2007 ~] Pitkin County Nordic Trails Plon ~3 The second priority is to expand the NordicTrail System or anticipate future changes due to new development or climate change: ~ :-~ _ ~ ~ ~- s N;~;.~' ~' "' ~ ~F . , ,, ~ ^ ~' <'.~ . ~ ~ ~ ' , , ~ ~ ~I, =` ' ~~ " ~ g _. ~ '"'s`~ ~ ~ •.., , `~:~,~,~ ~ at<¢~~' "/~ •°i ~ ~,,^"{~ 'i ~ ;,q~~ ^ " $ '' Y` ~ ~., ~.. ~iavM c . ,;,'t7 . wwet~ .. . s £ ~~ y 4„" . s Q , ~ ~ a F :~~w - ,,. 'S , A ._ ,,, _# w ~ ~ . ~ ~ k ~ ~~ ;: ~ ~ .~ ~ ~ ' ~ ~ ~ . ~ ' ~ e * ~{ ~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~ ~ ~ . ~.. ~~ ~ ~ , ~~ * : ; ' ~ ' ~ • {~ ^'~" # ~ ~ '^e"YR '~~.,,i ~ u? L.". ~ w~ 4 { ~ :.. . ! c ~ ~ ~ i ' "~~ s...Y. ~ ~ ~ . ~ ~.~.,.~, ~°...::<.. ,~'~ ..~ ~~dg. ~ +..r~ .re e, . . , ~ .. ~ ~..w~#~ _ * „~. ~ . ~++v . R ;, *~.w ~.9 ~"'~ i~ ~rz~. ~ ._ . 5 , . .. . ... . .. . .. . . . .~~„,~ .._ . ~at` -rr~<: . ~ ~ ~ ~~'~~ ~ r-t:,•rs.~. ~ . . . . . ' ,~;_.'~ `~. • Ensure the ability to maintain and groom the trails. • Provide a variety of terrain and skiing experiences. • Integrate adjacent trails that may be less-used trails, currently ungroomed trails, or potential good quality trails.This may be achieved by additional grooming, signage, or easements. • Identify linkages where trails are needed to connect existing trails and to create connections to community centers e.g. downtown Aspen or Base Village at Snowmass Village, or transit centers. • Consider parking needs. • Trailbanking: New trails should adhere to the Nordic Council's desire to accommodate its Nordic Trail System to climate change. New trails should have good snow holding ability, e,g. north or north east facing, at high elevation, or shaded by vegetation. The above vision principles rely greatly on the following: • Landowner willingness • Collaboration with jurisdictions • Review and input on land use applications for affected properties • Public Support 18 December 12, 2007 Pitkln Counry Norr/ic Trails Plan ~y 5. NORDICTRAIL SYSTEM PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS Aspen Vicinity Nordic Trails Opportunities The following trail descriptions are organized travelling from east to west from Independence Pass. First there are the trails that are already in the Aspen Snowmass NordicTrail System and have been identified for enhancements.These trails may lack permanent easements, may require improved road crossings, or may be improved by re-routing the trail onto a different alignment.Trail alignments that may be at risk in the future are identified. Second, areas that are currently used informally for Nordic skiing, or are summer activity areas, are identified as potential alignments that would provide high-quality additions to the trail system. Tr ' ~ ~~'~ °` `" ~' ~R#eeds ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~~ ~ ~ro~aose~l~~ ~r~han~e€;~er~~ Expansion of Northstar skiing Amend interim management with beginner and tranquil plan and design connection to James H. Smith Open terrain on the road side of the Northstar on the east side of I Space river. Currently not groomed. the Roaring Fork River. Could provide a seamless East More parking at Northstar. Road ofAspenTrail from Northstar crossings. Improve BenedictTrail Provide larger parking area. 2 East ofAspenTrail Trail to Difficult Campground. to Northstar route. Improve trail connections. Obtain alignment at base of Midland Trail (Shadow Direct connedion to downtown Sidewalk currently plowed in Shadow Mountain between 5th 3 Mountain) from Marolt pedestrian bridge. winter. and 7th Streets. Aspen High School Current Meadowood Trails I Meadowood Varied terrain, great racing Subdivision easement is short Obtain long-term easement wit 4 Subdivision venue, close to town. term. Meadowood Subdivision. Important seamless ski linkage Overpass needed to eliminate Aspen High Sehool between High SchoolTrails and Need to remove skis to cross ski removal.Afternative may be 5 Trails / AVSC to ARC Marolt Open Space. road near AVSC. Nordic Slider. Critical connedivity for Aspen Moore Open Space I trails. Rolling terrain, historically 6 ARC Conneetor used. Easement is short term. Secure long term easement. Connects Aspen High School Trails to Aspen Golf Course via roundabout. Offer more loops 7 Haleakala Connection and seamless skiing. No suitable easements exist. Widen easement. December I 2, 2d07 ~ 9 Pitkin Counry Nordic Troils Plan ~5 AspenVicinity NordicTrails Opportunities Continued ` Trael~)Conrtectar r~; ~ , F'~; ~ '~,~~'~~ hlam~ _ ~i ~is~<acterisEicslYalue ~Neex1S ~ ,~ Continue to enhance facilities Continue to enhance facilities. Highly utilized, maintained, and opportunities. Need for Add snowmaking. Continue tree 8 Aspen Golf Course facilities, multi-use. snow to hold longer. planting program. Maroon Creek Golf Install at-grade and grade- 9 CourseTrails Varied terrain, close to town. Multiple road crossings. separated crossings. Coordinate with owners for Potential trail connection of Additional area could be additional area to groom and Maroon Creek Golf Burlingame and Double Bar X groomed per PUD. Need with City of Aspen to keep 10 Course Underpass Ranch. connedion through underpass. snow in underpass. Owl CreekTrail Obtain easement for new West Buttermilk Offers an alternative improved Currently steep trail crosses alignment that would be gentler I I Connection route. driveway. with less crossings. Summer road, good snow- covered surFace in winter. Scenic, Add to NordicTrail System. secluded skiing. Early and late Currently not part of Nordic Partnership with USFS. Groom. 12 Di~cult Campground* season grooming. Trail System. Possible multi-use. Access/parking limitations, steep Discuss access and parking with I 3 Hunter Creek Valley* Scenic, gentle terrain, near town. entry. area stakeholders. High elevation, good snow coverage, great early and Currently not used for Nordic late season use, ski lift access, trails. Need access. Possible Partner with Aspen Skifng spectacufar views, rolling multi-use. High altitude Company and USFS for use, 14 Richmond Ridge* terrain,near facilities. advantages and risks. access and facilities. Could provide a viable Castle CreekValley connedion in Castle Creek I 5 Alignment valley. Options need to be studied. Coordinate with stakeholders. Connects to Aspen High School FiveTrees and Water Trails.Advanced racing terrain. Coordinate with City ofAspen 16 PlantTrails* North facing and wooded. No easements exist. for long term use agreement. Aspen Meadows Gentle terrain. Close to town. There are some existing Add to NordicTrail System. 17 Campus* Historic race track easements. Consider grooming. Use old Highway 82 bridge as a Would conned Aspen and Nordic skiing connedion. Keep Maroon Creek Maroon Creek golf courses at- mow platform. Possible multi- 18 Highway 82 Bridge* grade. Need an at-grade connection. use. Currently road is groomed by Facilities exist e.g. drinks, shelter. private landowner, future is Secure guarantee of long term 19 Maroon Creek Valley* Scenic, good snow, gentle terrain not guaranteed. Nice terrain. use at appropriate time. Scenic, good snow, rolling wooded terrain. Excellent Secure guarantee of long skiing at cross-country area. Curr-ently area is groomed by term use at appropriate time. 20 Ashcroft** Restaurant. private operator: Restaurant use. *~ Potential addition to Aspen Snowmass NordicTrail System ''F* Separate from Aspen Snowmass NordicTrail System See Map I on opposite page and Map 3 on page 25 for location of existing trails and proposed improvements. 2~ December ! 2, 2007 Pitkin Counry Nor-dic Trails Plan ~C a ~ a ,~,,,-_ ~ Q ~ ~ ~6 v~~[% / ~ ~ ~°o » r~' ~ ~s;~J a 0 (/~ , . . . . . . . . ~ . . ~ - . ~ f t~~' , J ~' ~ IL i, Q ~~ ; GC ~~ ~ s ~ i ~ ~ ~~ ' - w ; ~ ~~ ~ N ~ d ~ I . Z ~ ~ ~ ~ Y "' . ~~ ~ ~/O ~y ~ CG W ~ ~~~~~~=i ~ ~~ ~~'i ~~ '~ '# , .g- o ~ ~ ~ ~~s ~~ ~ ' } g i. -¢ i Z W 5~~i~~~ ~S~~i~~~3~~~ ~ ..~.. rt!~ 1 J J 1~, ~i ~ 4# L1~) ' , , . ~ . p ~ (''i~' ~ ~~.. f ~ H ~~~. ~Il p _ ; ~ . ~ . ~ ~ ti~ ; i Z g ~~ r' .; ` ~ t - ~ V ~ ~ ~~ ' ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ `'~~' • ~ d°i ~' ~ ~ ~r~ ~~ : I M ~ ~ ' ~ •. Z ~ ~t.~991erRd .. ~ Q ~ ~ ~ ~J W I - ~ `'a' ~, ,e Y .: n, ' ~Q °:;;Q~e .> , v~ n ~z ,. 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December I 2, 2007 2 ~ Pitkin County Nordic Trails Plan ~~ Snowmass Village Vic+nity Nordic Trails Opportunities 22 Interests of SnowmassVillage residents focused on the immediate vicinity in and around Snowmass.Within the village, residents expressed concern about the relocation of a segment ofVillage Way trail, as well as the difficutty crossing from the Snowmass Golf CourseTrails to the Recreation Center.There was a desire for more, easy dog-friendly ski trails. Owl Creek trail is a popular ski trail, but users would like to see fewer road crossings where skis need to be removed.There were several recommendations for new trails including Brush CreekTrail. ` '~ ~~~ a ~~~ ~ ~ Traii fCcnnector ~haracteristits(lfaltl~+. RisWPI~ " „,„, ~s;~ ` '~ Reinstate "Twister' alignment and other historic alignments. Obtain permanent winter Optimize alignment. Current easements. Resoive crossings Critical scenic link in Aspen to license agreement is short terrn. through realignment or other r? ! Owl CreekTraii Snowmass trail system. Many road crossings. grade means. Potential afignment has good snow retention, is an easier route.Would provide better A potential trail from Glendale access to Owl CreekTrail. Divide toTerminatorTrail Parking across from ma+ntenanc Need an altemative to steep on a high contour should be 2 Glendale Divide center. "Berlin Wall" sedion. explored. The Pines HOA wiN realign Secure Iong term easement for a traii section to an alpine new trail that is to be created. This new alignment would easement to reduce road Possibly a PUD dgreement potentiaHy provide improved crossings and provide a wider throughTown of Snowmass 3 The Pines skiing and fewer road crossings. trai~. Village (TOSV). Need connection to recreation Existing underpass too low. center across Brush Creek Road. Install at-grade or grade- Hub of skiing, provides great Enhance facilities. Possibly more separated crossings. Study 4 Snowmass Golf Course groomed trails and facilities. dog-friendly trails. enhancing facilities. Possible grade separated crossing at ~wl Creek and Town Connector - Section ofVillage Way is being New alignment may be Brush Creek road intersection 5 Village WayTrail relocated for development. inconvenient with road crossings or possible use for Nordic Slider. Work with Aspen Skiing Currently a more remote ski Improve access to trail from Company on access from experience, scenic, wooded Two Creeks side. Improve ski Two Creeks via l+ft ar gondola. terrain. Potential to loop with connedivity on both sides.To Explore possi6ilities on West 6 GovernmentTrail* Owl CreekTrail. remain ungroomed. Buttermilk side, Summer trail could be used in Current wildlife closure during winter linking the Brush Creek winter on Pitkin County section. WithTOSV and Pitkin County, intercept lot at Hevy 82 to Possibfe multi-use needs. explore possibility of Nor~dic use 7 Brush CreekTrail* Snowmass golf course trails. Requires snow cover and in winter. Parking and access needs. Divide Diteh Trail to More remote -feeling skiing. Resolve muki-use conflicts and Resolve parking, access and long 8 East Snowmass Creek* Gentle terrain. Multi-use. long term use, term use.To remain ungroomed. Potential connectors between Tom BlakeTrail and GovernmentTrai! and Owl 9 StarkTrail* CreekTrail atTwo Creeks end. StarkTrail is steep. Study options,. HighlineTrail from Potential connector from Owl I 0 Maintenance Center* To remain un-groomed. Creek to Brush Creek Create winter connection. Cozy Point Ranth Easy access and parking, good Currently an archery range. No Secw-e long term easement for I 1 North near Woody snow holding. ski trails. use. Maintain. ~' Potential addition toAspen Snowmass NordicTrail System See Map 2 on opposite page and Map 3 on page 25 for location of existing trails and proposed improvements. December (Z, Z007 Pitkin County NordicTroils Plan ~ ~ N a Q f .~ , - .~~ Q ; o i :.~e°a i . ~ ~ ~~~ ~. ~ . . ~ ~~ ~. December I 2, 2007 23 Pitkin Counry Nordic Trails Plan ~~ Mid-ValleyVicinity NordicTrails Opportunities During the planning process, existing and future use trends were studied including what needs are not currently being met, and estimating the potential demands and uses in the future. With the addit+on of community support, it became apparent that there is the need for the NordicTrail System to continue to grow, especially into the wider geographic area of Pitkin County. During the community meetings, the mid-valley area was perceived as being ripe for the expansion of the NordicTrail System.The Nordic Council was recognized as doing a fantastic job with the'Aspen and Snowmass' Nordic Trail System and the question arose of how best to serve the needs of the mid-valley area. The Nordic Council is in the process of reviewing alternative organizational structures for serving the mid-valley area. These include: Expanding membership of the Nordic Council to include more mid-valley members and renaming the Nordic Council to reflect the wider geographic area. Creating a mid-valley Nordic Council that works along with the Aspen Snowmass Nordic Council and has relationships with theTown of Basatt similarto the Nordic Council's relationship with the City of Aspen. Expanding the partnering program to include the Roaring Fork Club, Spring Gulch,Ashcroft, and other privately or publicly managed Nordic ski areas. T`r~ii(~ar;s~~c€~ca~ ~~ C~f~«r•acteristits/Vafu~ ; %~d . ~ E2isitlf~leeds~~~ ~,: q,; ,., ~ ~;~~ Major trail connector through Use signage. Possibly move ski valley. RFTA maintains Multi-use co-ordination. Road trail to previous track alignment. Carbondale to Catherine Store crossing issues. NearAspen Continue to coordinate with I Rio GrandeTrail section. underpasses need more snow. R~A forgrooming. Improve trail connections to Close to Basalt and Rio Grande transit. Possible new trailhead Trail. North facing, good snow. near bus stop. Coordinate with PUD apprnva! requires gr•ooming Trails seldom groomed, Public Roaring Fork Club (RFC) to set 2 Roaring Fork Club of Nordic trails for public access difficuft trail alignment and groom trails, Central locaYion, potential new Study options and coordinate hub, possible use of playing fields, with landowners and town, connects to Rio Grande. Possible Not currently used for skiing but induding recreation department 3 8asalt High School* use of adjacent properties. there is great potential. to set trail alignment and groom. Study options and coordinate Northeast facing Good snow holding. Ditch Identify public access locations. with stakeholders, including 4 hillside - Light Hill* alignment. Grooming unlikely. recreation department and BLM Scenic, varied terrain, historic Maintenance. Form of Nordic Council to coordinate Nordic use, possible valley wide arrangement with landowners. with landowners. Could be part 5 Capitol Creek Valley* links, annual event occurs. Traffic and parking, of larger valley system. "Down-Valley GovernmentTrail". To remaln unmaintained. Link to Add signage. Coordinate with valley system. Parking available. Steep access from public parking and discuss alternative access 6 Hay ParkTrail* Possible multi-use. on Capitol side. with private landowners. Existing cross-country trail system maintained by Mt. Sopris Spring Gulch and Mt. Sopris Nordic Council. Partially funded Nordic Council to remain Continue to communicate with 7 Spring Gulch** by Pitkin County. independent. Mt. Sopris Nordic Council. '~ Potential addition toAspen Snowmass NordicTrail System ~* Separate from Aspen Snowmass NordicTrail System See Map 3 on opposite page for location of existing traiis and proposed improvements. 24 December 12, 2007 Pitk~h County NordicTrails Plan ~ H W H Z Y~ ~ ~ a O ~ J Q ~ ' ~ < u ~~ 4 ~ a: ..;, O Z } W J J / ~ L V Z" ~~ G « V ~ Z ~../ ' ~ ~ Z O u Z r a M a ~ December I2, 2007 Pitkin County Nordic Trails Plan 'o > h ~ ~ M a / T d ~ d d U _ ~ d ~ ,o 0 ~ m ~ ~ ~ ~~ 3 ~ :~ / N \i:°j O t 1 ~ 1 E ~ ~~ L o ~ z: /~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ 0 ~ Y d d o 3 ~ V a t d O O ~ y O N A .j ~ F ~ ~ ~~~ N R ~ ~~~ ~ ~ $ ~ ~~ ~; 3 ~'~~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~. ~ 0 st ~ ~ U ~ li ` ~"~ ~+, . . ::~ a "9~,,, $ .. T' ~ ~ Y 5 . _ ~ ; ~ ~ o ~ d ~ ~ o . ~, . ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~~.~~ ~ ~~~ ~ ~~ ,' ~ ~, ~ ~ ~~ Q R U s ` ~ C. ~ u a ~ ~ ° ~ d ~ ~-_~ ~ .,~ ~ ~ ~ _ 0 ~ ~ U N o % - Q' ~ 0 0 y G £ELTeH,46H ~ CO l... t ~ ~ ;i.;s ~~, N ~ ~ \\ i N .~ ~ N U ~ V ~ O Z C 01 O C N N ~ X ~ ~ W Q ~ ~ C I ~ ~ J 25 3< Long-term Trails Opportunities • In the Aspen Snowmass area the land near the Rio Grande in the vicinity of W/J Ranch may offer gentle terrain with access to the Rio GrandeTrail. • Long term, a trail connection from Brush Creek Road to Aspen Village would provide a useful link. In addition, trail opportunities may exist in the Watson Divide area. • In the mid-valley area potential Nordic skiing areas may include the Spring Park Reservoir vicinity on Missouri Heights. • The Crown area near Emma provides summer hiking and biking trails that may be considered for ungroomed winter use providing there is sufficient snow coverage. • Summer hiking trails in the lower Frying Pan drainage may offer ungroomed Nordic skiing opportunities. • In the lower-valley area Redstone has some Nordic skiing in the coke ovens vicinity. If trails were developed in the Crystal RiverValley, they could have potential for Nordic use as well. 6. NORDIC TRAIL SYSTEM OUTREACH AND COLLABORATION Partnering and Coordination The Existing Conditions Section identified the Nordic Council's current partner organizations. This list may be expanded (including current user groups) as follows: • Nordic Wolves Qunior ski education program) • Basalt Recreation Department • Snowshoe groups • Summertrail systems and organizations • Roaring Fork OutdoorVolunteers (RFO~ • Pitkin County schools including the Aspen School District, some RE- I District schools and private schools The following partnering actions may be pursued by the Nordic Council: • Continue to build on opportunities to use summer trails for winter skiing while providing for shared use in appropriate locations. • Continue to build cooperative efforts between public and private groups to facilitate trail access. • Start a forum to promote communication among partners, for example a bimonthly meeting and an electronic notice board. • Formalize relationship with partners identifying roles, responsibilities and financing. 26 December I 2, 2007 Pitkih County Nordic Trails Plan 3~ User Groups The founding purpose ofthe Nordic Council and its associated NordicTrail System is cross-country skiing, however, where appropriate, efforts are made to accommodate all users of winter trails including snowshoers, walkers, runners, dogs, and bikers.The Nordic Councii acknowledges the multi-use conflicts of snow covered plat{orms and strives to frnd solutions such as: • Cor~tinue to identify specific trails for specific uses and/or wider trails to accommodate more types of users, all trails need not accommodate all users. • Use signage to differentiate trails and inform users. • Further develop trails standards for different and combined uses. • Identify sedions of each golf course that are appropriate for multi-use and sign accordingly. • Provide enhancements, or expansion, to the dog trail system including signage and information so people know where to go with their dogs, and dog bags and receptacles at dog-friendly trails • Determine if more Nordic dog trails can be added to the NordicTrail System. The Nordic Council recognizes the conflicts with commuter bicyclists and Nordic skiers, especially on the Rio Grande Trail, the Marolt, Castle Creek and Maroon Creek Road bridges and the connecting trail between the bridges.The M1lordic Council will continue to work towards resolving the conflicts, including the constriction points, to make the trails functional for both parties. Outreach While the Nordic Council encourages Nordic skiing and winter activities, the focus of the Council is to provide skiing platforms. During the Pian process, the community identified the benefits of additional public outreach to gain a broad base of support.The Nordic Council and their staff currently provide, and will enhance, the following outreach efforts: • The Nordic Council website and the electronic Bulletin Board with grooming reports, tr-ail conditions, events, and news • The Nordic Notline at (970)429-2039 • Signage on trails • Maps for trails The Nordic Council will continue to encourage User GroupS and Partners to initiate or to continue the following outreach efforts: • Inform focafs and visitors about Nordic opportunities through newspapers, newsletters and other pubiicity. • Organize and publicize fun events, e.g. RFOV ski from Aspen to Basalt orAVSC Progressive Bonfire Dinner or AXCC Ski Extravaganza and locals' lessons. • Encourage school programs and county-wide programs. • Reinforce or create a youth winter sports center and/or community Nordic center. • Create a volunteer winter ambassadors program to help educate the public on the NordicTrail System. • Improve use of website, grooming reports, trail conditions. • Provide education/information to winter trail users to minimize use conflicts. • Support cross-jurisdictional enforcement efforts. December 12, 2007 27 Pitkin Counry Nordic Trails Plan ./ " APPENDIX: EXISTING NORDIC TRAILS DESCRIPTIONS December I 2, 2007 Pitkin Counry Nordic Trails Plan A- I ~ ~ Aspen Golf Course & Cross Country Center A-2 The Aspen Cross-Country Center is located at the Aspen Golf Course, I mile west of Aspen off Highway 82.The Center offers ski lessons, tours, retail shop, rentals, a lounge, lockers, snacks, and videos.The Aspen Golf Course and the Snowmass X-C center are the first areas to be groomed after heavy snow. Difficulty: Beginner. Length: 2.5 miles.Access: Free bus service available. Moore, Marolt and High School trails are all easily accessible from the golf course trails. High SchoolTrails The High School tracks offer excellent skiing on varied terrain, and in warmer weather have better snow conditions because of the higher elevation and exposure. A shorter I.8 mile loop omits the worst hills, and a longer 3. I mile loop negotiates hillier terrair+. Please note that new construction has altered the trail layout Be alert and aware of possible course changes. Difficutty: Intermediate/Advanced. Length: 3.! miles. Bernese Boulevard Located on the Aspen Golf Course, the Bernese Boulevard provides dog owners and their pets a scenic route around the perimeter of the golf course. Please keep your pet under control at all times Difficulty: Beginner. Length: 2 miles. Access: Free bus service available. James E. MooreTraii The James E. MooreTrail has a short loop and a connecting trail to the High School, Iselin and Owl Creek trails.The loop is entertaining because of its fun, winding hills. Both the flat connecting trail and loop wind through open sage areas that are home to deer, fox and other wiidlife. Difficufty: Beginner and intermediate. Length: 2 miles, Access:The safest access is via the roundabout pedestrian underpass. Or, from the parking lot at the Aspen Golf Course, cross under Highway 82 on foot and go 200 feet to the left (east). Free bus service available. Marolt PropertyTrails These tracks are used primarily as an access route between the west end of Aspen and the Aspen Golf Course and the High School tracks. Dogs are allowed. Difficu~ty: Beginner. Length: I.5 miles.Access: From Aspen, by foot, take Hopkins west to 7th Street and go left, then turn right at the Marolt Pedestrian Bridge. Maroon Creek ClubTrails These tracks are accessed from theTiehack Nordic Bridge or from the Buttermilk base area.Adventurous skiers can also reach these trails from the Aspen Golf Course by way ofthe Maroon CreekTrail.This scenic section of track can sometimes be short of snow and has steep turns and terrain and is for advanced skiers only. Difficulty: lntermediate.The to~nection with the Aspen Golf Course has steep turns and terrain and is for advanced skiers only. Length: 2 miles on and around the golf course,Access: Pick up the tracks beyond the Panda Peak lift at the Buttermilk Base area. Free bus service available. December 12, 2007 Pitkin Counry NordicTrails Plan 35 North Star Nature Preserve Loop The Preserve is 175 acres of land east of Aspen that has been preserved to allow its natural ecology to continue with a minimum of human impact. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are one of the few uses perrnitted on its flat, open meadows close to the Roaring Fork River. Please stay on marked twails and respect the wildlife. Note: grooming on this trail is scheduled on an as-needed basis only so as to minimize impact. Difficulty: Beginner. Length:A little over 1.5 miles.Access: Go I.5 miles east ofAspen on Highway 62 and look for the small parking area on the right. BenedictTrail This section of trail serves as a connect+on from the East end of Aspen to the North Star Nature Preserve. It is narrow, winding and mostly in the trees. A small portion of the trail is subject to avalanche danger. Difficuity: Intermediate. Skating not recommended. Length: !.5 miles from Ute Avenue to North Star Nature Preserve. Access: Follow Ute Avenue to the Ute Trai! parking lot, then up a public access ! 00 yards to where the trail crosses. Free bus service a~ailable, Snowmass Cross-Country Center The redesigned Snowmass Cross-Country Center traif system is the western hub of the Aspen/Snowmass NordicTrail System.The Cross-Country Center, located on the golf course, has a retail shop, snack bar, restaurant, lessons, rentals and tours. Difficulty: Beginner thru Advanced. Length: S miles. Access: By car from Aspen or Snowmass, take Brush Creek Road and turn left onto Highline Road.The first turn-off on the right from Highline Road leads to the Cross-Country Center, By bus, tal<e the free skier shuttle to Snowmass Village, then walk down one level to Village Shuttle #3 for the Snowmass Club. On skis from the Snowmass Village Mall, head to the bottom of Lift #6 and pick up theVillage Way cross-country trail. Village Way Village Way is an access route between SnowmassVillage and the Snowmass Golf Course tracks. The traii is fairly steep, making the route somewhat cha(lenging in either direction. Dogs are allowed. Difficufty: Intermediate. Access• From Snowmass Village, this is best reached from the bottom of the Assay Hill Lift. From the golf course, follow the same direction as the Owl CreekTrail but turn right after Owl Creek Road Terminator TheTerminator, which loops around theTwo Creeks development, is an exciting trail for advanced cross- country skiers.This loop can also be used to access the Owl CreekTrail. Difficutry: Advanced. Length: 3 miles for the loop. Access: Follow the same direction as the Owl CreekTrail but continue straight uphill after crossing Owl Creek Road Be aware and yield to downhill skiers. December I2, 2007 A-3 Pitkin Counry NordicTrails Plan ~~ Owl CreekTrail A-4 This popular and scenic trail connects Aspen and Snowmass Village, hugging the south side of the Roaring Fork and Owl Creel< valleys. Most skiers use this trail as a casual tour with a lunch break and light touring gear.The easiest and most popular stretch of trail runs from the West Buttermilk Road to the Snowmass Cross-Country Center.Another popular option from West Buttermilk Road is to ski to Sinclair Divide and back.The newTiehack Nordic Bridge will allow skiers easy access to the Ow~ CreekTrail from the Aspen Cross-Country Center. Follow the green disks to stay on course when crossing the Buttermilk Ski Area. Be aware and yield to downhill skiers. Difficulty: Intermediate; most of the trail is good for beginners, but the occasional hiils add some difficulty. East ofTiehack, the trail is for advanced skiers oniy. Length: 9 miles from the Aspen Golf Course to the Snowmass Cross-Country Center. Access: Snowmass Village:Village WayTrail or Snowmass Cross-Country Center. Follow signs.West Buttermilk Road: Drive through the Main Buttermilk parking lot from Highway 82 to West Buttermilk Road at the far right corner of the Iot.The Owl CreekTrail crosses I.4 miles up the road, by a small parking area on the right. Tiehacl<; Experienced sl<iers can ski from the base ofTiehack up alang the right side of the alpine trail to the Oregon Trail towards and across Main Buttermilk. Follow the green disks. Aspen Golf Course: Access Tiehack via the James E. Moore Trail and the newTiehack Nordic Bridge. Rio GrandeTrail A popular walking, skiing and snowshoeing trail, the Rio Grande follows the old Denver and Rio Grande Railroad bed along the Roaring Fork River.The mostly flat trail gently meanders through the quiet woods and open sage areas. Because this trail is easy, marked and not groomed, it offers the opportunity to have an adventure in a more primitive setting. Note: the snow can deteriorate quickly on this trail. The Rio Grand is a Dog Friendly trail. Dog owners are required to keep their companion on a leash and to pick up after their pet Difficulty: Beginner. Length: Up to 20 miies one way, from Aspen to Basait: Access:The eastern end starts behind the Aspen Post O{flce. Call for more information as to other access points. Free bus service available. Maroon Creek Road The USFS road to Maroon Lake is not plowed in the winter. T-Lazy 7 operates snowmobile tours to the lake and grooms the road to the lake. There are no classic tracks, but its gentle climb and scenic wonders are very nice. Call Avalanche Warning Center for information on backcountry conditions. Respect closed signs. Share the trail with other users. Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate. Length: 6 miles to Maroon Lake. Access: Drive 3.5 miles up Maroon Creek Road unti( the road is closed. Park in the lot across from the reindeer. Dogs are allowed. Independence Pass Road This road is not plowed in the winter. T-Lazy 7 operates snowmobile tours up this road and occasionally grooms it up to Lincoln Gulch Road, located 5 miles up from the beginning point. Call Avalanche Warning Center for information on backcountry conditions. Share the trail with other users. Diffkuity: Beginner/ Intermediate. Length; Up to I 6 miles one way. Access: Drive 5 miles east ofAspen on Hwy 82 until the road is closed. Dogs are allowed, December 12, 2007 Pitkin Counry NordicTrails Plan ~~