Ski area gets green light

Elk Ridge allowed to use Powderpak material on tubing run on mountain

A lot of activity may begin to surface on Bill Williams Mountain soon, thanks to an approval from the Forest Service that will allow employees of the Elk Ridge Ski Area to construct two artificial tubing runs on the mountain. Officials with the Forest Service gave the project a green light Nov. 29 after holding a public comment period on the proposal in late October.

The special use permit is temporary, however, and will be good for one year after it is issued.

"We see this as a good opportunity to evaluate the interest in this kind of winter recreation and whether or not it is something that should be considered as a longer-term addition to the Elk Ridge Ski Area," said Williams District Ranger Martie Schramm in a press release issued Nov. 29.

According to officials with the Forest Service, roughly 20 comments were received on the area during the public comment period. Eighteen of those comments were in favor of the runs, while two comments expressed concerns over possible impacts to wildlife habitats. Of particular concern was the breeding season of the Mexican Spotted Owl, who have been found in the area in the past, according to reports. Under the conditions of the new permit, the tubing runs would be shut down temporarily if spotted owl activity is found within a half-mile radius of the site.

Employees with Fountain Outdoor Recreation Company, LLC, owners of the Elk Ridge Ski Area, plan to utilize synthetic "Powderpak" material to create the tubing runs on the mountain. The Powderpak overlay would be used in an area of the ski run that would be bermed off for use with special tubes. According to Forest Service officials, the runs would measure six feet in width and 200 feet in length. The tubing hill itself measures roughly 30 feet wide and 300 feet in length.

The Powderpak material is temporary and can be removed as necessary - and even used in conjunction with real snow, according to Elk Ridge officials. Special inner-tubes would be used on the runs. A wooden starting ramp is also planned for recreationists to use the runs. Tammy Fountain, owner of the Elk Ridge Ski Area, said she was thrilled by the green light from Forest Service officials. She said the facility may be up and running as soon as Friday.

"We are shooting for Dec. 8, barring any horrible weather. They've been working on everything. They've got everything prepped," Fountain said. "We'll at least have one flume up. The other material for the second flume is on order."

She said employees at the ski area would do everything they could to keep the area open for residents and visitors to the mountain.

"We're excited. We're going to do everything we can to keep a good long winter season going," Fountain said.

Elk Ridge Ski Area opened their lodge Nov. 9 with plans for the facility to be open year-round, though Fountain said that would depend on certain factors - fire danger being the highest on the list during the summer months. The facility is currently fully staffed in the hopes of a good winter season.

"It's all coming together," Fountain said. "The restaurant's already been approved to be open year round. The only time we'd ever have it shut down depends on the fire danger."