Yo, fellow ski bums! Big news from the Capitol—it looks like the SHRED Act is back for another run. That’s right, for the third time, our fearless lawmakers are trying to pass a bill that actually makes sense for us mountain folk.
For those who’ve been too busy shredding the pow and not keeping tabs on Washington (we don’t blame you), here’s the deal: Right now, ski resorts that operate on U.S. Forest Service land pay big bucks in permit fees, to the tune of $40 million a year. The kicker? That money goes straight to the U.S. Treasury, not back to our beloved mountains where it belongs. Talk about a buzzkill.
What’s the SHRED Act?
The Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development (SHRED) Act is the brainchild of Colorado Senator Michael Bennet and a squad of bipartisan lawmakers who think it’s high time we keep more of that cash in the communities that earn it. The plan is simple: 80% of ski resort permit fees would stay local to fund things like trail maintenance, search and rescue, visitor services, wildfire preparedness, and even workforce housing. That means more groomed runs, better avy forecasting, and actual improvements in the places we ride.
Who’s on Board?
This bill has got some serious backing, with support from the National Ski Area Association, Vail Resorts, the Colorado Association of Ski Towns, and the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments. Basically, everyone who knows what’s up is saying, Yes, please.
What Would It Mean for Colorado?
If the SHRED Act finally makes it to the finish line, it could bring in up to $27 million for our national forests, with around $20 million going straight to the White River National Forest—that’s home to heavy hitters like Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Aspen, and Snowmass. In other words, this is the bill that could keep our mountains in top shape for years to come.
Third Time’s the Charm?
The SHRED Act has had a bumpy ride—introduced in 2021, reintroduced in 2023, and now back again in 2025. It’s like that one buddy who keeps sending it on the biggest cliff drop and just won’t quit. But this time, lawmakers are hopeful that recent momentum around outdoor recreation funding will finally push it through.
So, what can you do? Keep the stoke alive, tell your reps to back this bill, and in the meantime, get out there and enjoy the freshies. Because whether or not Congress gets its act together, we’ll still be here—chasing pow, soaking in alpenglow, and keeping the dream alive in Steamboat.
Stay frosty, amigos! And may your turns be deep and your après be legendary.
#SupportTheSHREDAct #KeepItLocal #SkiBumLife