Williams News Logo
Grand Canyon News Logo

Trusted local news leader for Williams AZ and the Grand Canyon

Forest Service seeks input on ski area proposal

Kaibab National Forest managers are seeking public input on a proposal by the Elk Ridge Ski Area in Williams to make a tubing hill available by using a synthetic overlay that would allow special inner tubes to be used for sliding.

The project proposal would require issuance of a temporary special use permit to authorize use of Powderpak, the synthetic material that would be used as an artificial snow surface. The Powderpak material would lay on top of an existing tubing hill and would include two parallel tube runs about six feet wide and 200 feet long.

If approved, the permit would allow a starting ramp for each tube lane to be constructed of wood, which would lead into a layer of Powderpak material for the sliding surface. The sliding surface would be bermed on each side with a higher-friction Powderpak material that would channel tubes down slope.

According to the makers of Powderpak, the material is used at summer and winter resorts around the world. Powderpak is a recycled material that is neither light- nor temperature-sensitive, does not degrade into surrounding soil, and is vented to allow snow and rain to seep through.

Powderpak snow runs can be used with or without natural snow. The tube runs would be temporary facilities that could be removed as necessary. No ground disturbance or permanent facilities would be constructed as part of this proposal.

For more information or to provide comments, contact Brian Poturalski at (928) 635-5619 or bpoturalski@fs.fed.us. Written comments can be sent to Williams Ranger District, c/o Brian Poturalski, 742 S. Clover Rd., Williams, AZ 86046. All comments must be received by Saturday.


Donate Report a Typo Contact