Snowmass pursues e-bike trial on mountain bike trails

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect that Susan Cross is not a member of the town of Snowmass’ Parks, Open Space, Trails, and Recreation Advisory Board.

Snowmass Town Council on Monday supported a trial period in which e-bikes would be permitted on Aspen Skiing Company-owned trails. 

The trial would run from June 21 to Sept. 6 and would permit Class 1 e-bikes — which are pedal-assisted electric bicycles without a throttle — on sections of Discovery, Village Bound, Luge and Fanny Hill trails, as well as parts of Thornton and Dawdler roads, constituting a total of 7.9 miles of access, according to Aspen Skiing Company’s Snowmass Mountain Trial E-Bike Management Plan. Each of the proposed sections would remain open during the trial period to non-e-bike groups already permitted access.

“The intention here is so meaningful and strong,” Council Member Britta Gustafson said of permitting e-bikes on certain trails in a Monday town council meeting. “I think it’s to explore the progressive ways that we can approach something that seems more or less inevitable and open up access, and really thinking what the future has in store. And I’m proud of us in Snowmass for taking that first step.”

Following council’s support of the plan, town staff will return with a draft ordinance to legally permit e-bike use on select trails.

“This has been a long time coming, and I think you’re all aware that e-bikes are not going away,” said SkiCo Vice President of Mountain Operations Susan Cross.

Cross said part of the reason for welcoming e-bikes to Snowmass’ trail systems was to accommodate those who switched from an analogue bike to an e-bike.

“We’re not here to monetize it,” she said, adding that it was a step rooted in good will.

E-bike trail usage rules and details will be posted on signage. E-bike regulations will be enforced by Snowmass Summer Bike Patrol and through the use of game cameras. 

“These cameras will help document unauthorized e-bike use outside the permitted area,” the plan states. “Captured images will be reviewed by ASC (Aspen Skiing Company) every 48 hours to identify violators and inform enforcement actions.”

Town council can set a formal fine or punishment for those who disregard Snowmass’ e-bike regulations once it reviews a formal ordinance, according to town staff. 

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Trails accommodating e-bikes may be maintained periodically due to increased use, the plan states. Modifications could include trail surfacing and compaction, enhanced drainage and trail widening or realignment.

E-bikers will be held to the same etiquette standards as traditional bikers. They must follow all trail rules, avoid riding trails when wet to minimize erosion, communicate calmly with other trail users, wear helmets, pass others respectfully and more.

SkiCo will conduct surveys and collect data during the trial period to inform future e-bike management decisions, the plan states. 

Snowmass Town Council has not yet posted a public date for when it will review an ordinance permitting e-bike use of mountain bike trails, according to the town of Snowmass Village website.