Telluride’s Helicopter Logging Operations Set To Begin Monday

Telluride Ski Resort will begin helicopter logging operations starting Monday, Aug. 19 and continuing through mid-September. Operational hours will be Monday through Friday, 6:30am to 6:00pm.

Due to the flight path and project scope, certain trails will be closed to keep all trail users, including hikers and bikers, safe and out of harm’s way during operational hours. These trails include See Forever, Basin, Prospect Trail and Prospect Loop.

The helicopter operation is part of a Forest Health Mitigation project to improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and improve recreation. The focus of the project is within the Lift 9 area and trees will be flown via helicopter from the forest health mitigation pods to a decking/processing location in the Chair 10 area. Logging equipment and trucks will be moving through the resort in conjunction with the project.

As the majority of these trees are dead or dying, the potential for limbs/debris falling from the load is high.

“Guests can expect to see ‘CLOSED’ signage on trails and access points, so we ask everyone to please respect these signs and stay safe,” said Scott Pittenger, Director of Mountain Operations at Telluride Ski Resort.

The previous time the resort performed this type of operation was during the expansion into Prospect Basin in 1999-2000.