Vail Pass Recreation Area season kicks off despite low snowpack

The Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area kicked off its season on Dec. 1 with a lower-than-average snowpack.

The trail grooming, parking lot plowing and fee collection began this week at the popular area for backcountry skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling despite the snowpack being well below average for this time of year.

Earlier this year, the Colorado Department of Transportation completed the new Vail Pass Rest Area off Interstate 70, which includes a new ranger station and relocated parking for winter recreation with a newly constructed upper parking lot.

But for now, parking for snowmobile trailers and hut users will remain along Black Lakes Road, as Vail Pass Rangers complete final preparations for the new parking area.

Parking lots at the recreation area typically fill by 9:30 a.m. on Fridays, weekends and holidays, according to the Forest Service, so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and park only in designated areas. If the lots at Vail Pass are full, visitors will need to come back at a later time or access the Vail Pass Recreation Area from the trailheads at Camp Hale.

With the low snow so far this year, Vail Pass snow rangers are also asking people recreating with winter over-the-snow vehicles, including snowmobiles, to stay on designated summer roads to avoid damaging the sensitive high Alpine environment.

Day passes at the recreation area cost $10 and season passes are $65. Day passes can be purchased with cash or credit cards at Vail Pass, and with cash only at Camp Hale. Season passes are also available at the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District in Miniturn or the Dillon Ranger District in Silverthorne.

Anyone navigating in the backcountry should be aware of the avalanche risk and should carry a transceiver, probe and shovel, according to Colorado backcountry experts.