2340
Page 1 of 17 20
FOREST SERVICE MANUAL
MISSOULA, MONTANA
FSM 2300 - RECREATION, WILDERNESS
AND RELATED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Region 1 Supplement No. 2300-94-2
Effective 7/7/94
POSTING NOTICE: Supplements to this title are numbered consecutively by title and calendar
year. Post by document name. Remove entire document and replace with this supplement.
Retain this transmittal as the first page of this document. The last supplement to this Title was
supplement 2300-94-1 to chapter 30. (2330)
Document Name
2340
Superseded
New
(Number of Pages)
14
17
Digest:
2343.8 - Reinstates outfitters and guides information that had been removed in error.
David F. Jolly
Regional Forester
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 2 of 17 20
FSM 2300 - RECREATION, WILDERNESS, AND RELATED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
R-1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE 07/07/94
CHAPTER 2340 - PRIVATELY PROVIDED RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES
2340.3 - Policy
6. Gambling devices are prohibited. Electronic video draw poker machines have been
determined to be gambling devices and are prohibited on National Forest System lands in
accordance with national policy.
2341 - PLANNING FOR PRIVATE SECTOR USES
2341.1 - Planning for New Sites and Areas
Winter Sports Site Designation. If a winter sports development is proposed for an area not
allocated to this purpose in the Forest Plan, the suitability and feasibility of the proposed
development must be determined as part of, or preliminary to, the Environmental Assessment.
Suitability or feasibility studies require specialized knowledge and experience. Studies for new
proposals by proponents, consultants, or local Forest Officers may not be entirely objective
because of local pressures and enthusiasm studies. Supervisors should request the assistance of
experienced personnel from other Forests or the Regional Office for ski area studies and the
review of proponents' studies.
Economic feasibility studies are analyses to estimate if sufficient return will be received for
investment and operating costs. In addition, timing and level of development for market
conditions are established. These studies are done by private consultants or the proponents.
The Forest Supervisor shall assure a reasonable feasibility study has been made by qualified
people. The Forest Service cannot guarantee that a proposed private venture will be
economically successful, but those proposals not appearing to have a probability of economic
success will not be approved.
Proposals for major winter sports developments are complex, may be controversial, and require
detailed interdisciplinary planning efforts. Exhibit 1 outlines a planning sequence for a proposal
involving private land or expansion of an existing site. Study plans need to be developed for
specific situations. The proponents usually will be required to fund study costs.
2341.5 - Permittee Employee Housing.
Employee housing at concession sites shall normally be limited to managerial personnel
necessary for a 24-hour operation or essential protection and maintenance personnel; i.e., night
watch, caretakers, etc.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 3 of 17 20
Housing for other employees shall not normally be permitted. Special authorization may be
granted where there is no public housing or private land available for housing within 30 miles.
Where employee housing is permitted, the following criteria apply:
(1) Housing location must be identified in an approved site development plan (FSM
2341.22).
(2) Dormitory and apartment type facilities shall be used where possible. Individual
houses shall be discouraged.
(3) Existing buildings shall be used to their potential before constructing additional units.
(4) Housing shall not occupy sites needed for future public use.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 4 of 17 20
2341.1 - Exhibit 1
SITE APPROVAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT PROCESS
FOR SKI AREAS
(Where a prospectus will not be required)
| Operator's
| Concept
|
| Economic Feasibility
| --------------- |
Market Study
| Preliminary Planning
| Application for Special-Use Permit
| or Extension of Permitted Area *
|
Review
|
| Conformance with
|
| Forest Plan, Policies, |
|
and Objectives
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NO
GO
GO
NO
GO
*For a new area, the
application will be for
a study for permit at this stage.
GO (tentative)
| Design Study for Master Plan and |
| Environmental Review Process
|
|
| Feasibility Studies
Offsite Environmental Studies |
-- | Market Studies
Onsite Environmental Studies
|
| | Socio-economic Studies
Consult Other Agencies
|
|
|
--| Public Involvement |
For
| Applicant submits development |
|
| plans, operating plans, finan- |
--| Development Plan Alternatives |
| cial plans, qualification
|
|
|
New | statements as
required for
|
| | Draft Environmental Analysis |-| special-use application
|
|
|
Area |
--| Public Involvement and Review |
|
| Review
|
|
|
| Applicant's
|
|
GO------> |
Qualifications
|
|
(tentative)
|
V
|
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
| Final Environmental Analysis |
|
| Development |---------->
| Plan Approval |
GO
|
| Approval or Partial Approval and Permit Issuance |
2340
Page 5 of 17 20
V
NO
NO
GO
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 6 of 17 20
2343 - CONCESSION USES INVOLVING PRIVATELY DEVELOPED FACILITIES
2343.1 - Winter Recreation Uses.
1. Definitions - Development plans specified by special-use permit clauses consist of the
complete heirarchy of plans: conceptual master plan, site plans for mountain and base area,
special plans required for vegetative management, erosion control or other purposes, and
construction designs for facilities. The major plan components are defined as:
a. Master Plan - A master plan is a narrative and graphic presentation outlining present
and future development direction for the site and potential expansion areas. It is conceptual:
outlining how, when, where, and why future development will be scheduled. Although
conceptual, the master plan should be in sufficient detail to provide a basis for environmental
analysis and for determining the location, scheduling, and capacity of future development
phases. A plan is fairly specific for the current or first-development phase and more general for
the future. For new development proposals or for major expansion of existing sites, master
plans may be developed by stages:
(1) Conceptual (or preliminary) Master Plan - Determines the suitability, potential ultimate
capacity, and level of development warranted for a potential site. Provides the information
needed to determine feasibility and make an environmental assessment.
(2) Development Master Plan - A detailed plan for balanced development by phases,
including schedules, financial plans and projections. (Note: Forest Service review of financial
plans would be required only for special situations such as new areas.)
(3) Supplemental (or amended master plan) - Plan for individual development phases
which may include changes or added facilities not included in the approved master plan.
b. Site Plan - Graphic overall area, base area, or pod (lift system) plans at a scale
sufficient for specific locative siting of facilities. Master plans seldom are based on sufficient
on-the-ground investigation for specific siting of lifts and other facilities.
c. Construction Designs - Detailed plans for construction of lifts, roads, buildings,
utilities, and other facilities.
2. Objectives - Winter sports site planning objectives are to provide for safe, enjoyable
recreation through planned and orderly development, rehabilitation, expansion, or reduction of
facilities which will be in conformance with Forest Service land management objectives within
the framework of an economically feasible operation. Planning provides for balanced
development of facilities for the capacity of the site at various stages of development. Planning
also assesses environmental impacts and develops acceptable alternatives for mitigation of
adverse environmental effects.
Planning insures that new facilities are in the proper location, of adequate capacity, and that
replacement facilities are not reconstructed in the wrong location.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 7 of 17 20
Planning is a dynamic process. Development plan changes must reflect new conditions and
concepts. The approved development plan is what the permit holder and Forest Supervisor have
agreed to as the future of the development. As conditions change or additional information is
gained, the plan should be revised. However, revision of any part of the plan should not be
made without considering its relation to other portions and the overall plan.
3. Plan Requirements - Plan requirements are specified in special-use permits. The
required amount and degree of planning depends on the scope of the development and
environmental considerations. For a small, existing day-use ski area with little expansion
potential, the development plan may consist only of a one- or two-page statement of objectives
and a site plan outlining present and proposed facilities. For a large skiing complex, the
development plan will include a master plan with comprehensive inventories, analysis, graphics,
schedules, and supporting market, social, economic and environmental studies.
Adjacent and intermingled private lands controlled by the permit holder that are necessary for a
balanced ski area development should be included in the development plan. Lands and
recreation facilities owned by others that will be affected or will influence the development
should be considered in the plans.
The following scales are recommended for site plans:
Area Plan - 1 inch equals 300 feet; 10-foot contour interval
Base Area Plan - 2 inches equal 50 feet; 2-foot contour interval
A separate base area plan may not be required for a small area unless base area construction is
proposed; on the other hand, the larger scale plans (1 inch equals 50 feet+) are desirable for lift
terminal areas and other critical on-the-hill areas.
Requirements for ski lift/tow construction designs are outlined in FSM 7320.
Construction will not be approved unless it is part of the overall development plan. For
example, a construction design for a new facility or major reconstruction of an existing facility
will not be reviewed unless the location is on the currently approved site plan, and the master
plan indicates that a facility of a specific capacity will be needed at that location in the future.
Exhibit 1 illustrates a typical plan approval sequence.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 8 of 17 20
2343.1 - Exhibit 1
SKI AREA DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPROVAL PROCEDURE
| APPROVED MASTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN - Establishes balanced capacity by
| construction phases.
|
|
Conceptual
- How
- When
|
- Where
- Why
|
V
| SITE PLAN
|
|
|
Specific locative
|- - - - - - - - - - - |
|
- Lifts and runs, 1" = 300'
|
|
- Base area and lift termini, 1" = 50'
|<- - - - - - - - - - - |
|
- Roads and parking (P line)
|
|
|
|
V
|
| F.S. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
|
|
AND APPROVAL
|
|
|
|
V
|
| CONSTRUCTION PLANS*
|
|
| Detailed designs
|
|
|
- Runs, clearing, erosion control
|
|
|
- Lifts
|
|
|
- Water
|- - - - - - - - - - - - |
|
- Sewage
|
|
- Architectural
|
|
- Road and parking design
|
|
V
| APPROVALS - F.S. & OTHER AUTHORITIES |
|
|
V
V
| CONSTRUCTION
|
| INSPECTION |
|
|
V
V
| CERTIFICATION BY PERMIT HOLDER
|
|
ENGINEER/ARCHITECT
|
|
V
| F.S. & OTHER GOVERNING AUTHORITY APPROVAL
|
|
FOR PUBLIC OPERATION
|
|
|
|
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 9 of 17 20
*Plan approval expedited by consultation with F.S. specialists during planning and prior to final
submission.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 10 of 17 20
2343.11 - Policy
Administration (Winter Sports) - Administration of winter sports sites depends on mutual
preseason planning and reach agreement with the permit holders. Following is a preseason
checklist for administrators.
1. Rates for public established. (note: The Forest Service does not approve or regulate
the rates unless there are unusual circumstances.)
2. Insurance coverage adequate and in effect.
3. Fee payments current
4. Gross Fixed Assets (GFA) updated, and for mixed-ownership areas the slope transport
feet schedule updated. These both need to be adequately documented in the special-use case
folders.
5. Gratuity policy agreed upon.
6. Written agreement given for subleases, if any.
7. Permit holder's lift engineering inspections submitted, including copy to Regional
Engineer (Idaho ski areas only).
8. Followup on engineering inspection made and documented.
9. Water tests and necessary sanitary approvals obtained for facilities on National Forest
System lands.
10. Operations (safety) plan updated.
11. Use reporting setup. (Skier visits need to be reported to Wilderness, Recreation, and
Heritage Programs annually.)
12. Title VI compliance documented.
2343.12 - Avalanche Control
1. Roles. Permit holders are responsible for avalanche stability evaluation (forecasting)
and control within their permitted areas. The Forest Service role is to insure that the permit
holders are redeeming their responsibilities. The Forest Service may cooperate with the permit
holders to provide for public safety, but the cost of direct avalanche control measures must be
borne by the permit holders. The specific roles of the permit holders and Forest Service
follows;
a. Sites requiring artillery. Forest Service personnel must fire the artillery. All other
avalanche control is the responsibility of the permit holders. The cost to the Forest Service of
providing artillery, ammunition, and the time of Forest Service personnel doing the firing will be
borne by the permit holders.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 11 of 17 20
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 12 of 17 20
b. Sites not requiring artillery. Permit holders will be completely responsible for
avalanche stability evaluation and control.
2. Monitoring. Forest officers responsible for monitoring avalanche control at winter
sports sites should be qualified in avalanche stability evaluation, control methods, and avalanche
rescue procedures. Although the permit holders have the avalanche control responsibility, the
authorized officers should participate in control activities to the extent necessary: (1) To be
assured the permit holder's responsibilities are carried out, (2) to be familiar with local
conditions, (3) maintain their proficiency, and (4) where necessary, to keep abreast of current
avalanche conditions in the back country. This part-time participation, unlike the required firing
of artillery, is an administrative role and the Government shall bear the cost.
Permit holders must have qualified avalanche control people. Where training needs are evident,
the Forest Service should assist in arranging for on-the-job training for ski area personnel at
areas where there are qualified people. The permit holder's responsibility to provide adequate
avalanche control includes providing qualified personnel; this responsibility cannot be delegated
to other parties or organizations.
3. Qualification of Forest Service Avalanche Control Personnel. The following
guidelines shall be used for determining the qualifications of Forest Service personnel
responsible for avalanche control:
a. Should be a competent skier; i.e., capable of negotiating the area's terrain in all snow
conditions.
b. Have attended a National Avalanche School or equivalent.
c. Have attended Regional field-training seminars and had on-the-job avalanche control
training.
To be qualified for using explosives, projectile launchers (Avalauncher) or artillery for avalanche
control, Forest Service employees should be fully qualified in stability evaluation and control
methods as outlined by the above guidelines and meet the requirements for blaster certification.
4. Avalanche Search and Rescue. Permit holders are responsible for avalanche search
and rescue (SAR) within ski area boundaries; the county sheriffs are responsible for SAR outside
those areas. Because avalanche SAR requires specialized knowledge and expertise, the Forest
Service will often be called upon to assist; and because avalanche SAR may involve considerable
hazard to those participating, Forest Service participation should be under the direction of
qualified leadership. If qualified leadership is not available, assistance should be requested
directly from other units or through the Regional Office, Wilderness, Recreation, and Heritage
Programs staff unit. The Forest Service role in avalanche or any other SAR effort is limited to
temporary emergency action until predetermined local responsible authority is available to
assume leadership; after transferring leadership, the Forest Service will assure a supportive role.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 13 of 17 20
5. Avalanche in Accident Reporting. Avalanche accidents occurring within a winter
sports site or elsewhere on National Forest System lands, should be reported by telephone to the
Regional Office Wilderness, Recreation, and Heritage Programs unit.
Records of avalanche accidents in the United States are maintained by the Westwide Avalanche
Network. For any avalanche accident, please submit a report to the Regional Office,
Wilderness, Recreation, and Heritage Programs staff unit. Follow the outline in Appendix E of
the November 1978 Avalanche Handbook (Agriculture Handbook No. 489). Wilderness,
Recreation, and Heritage Programs will forward the reports to the Westwide Avalanche
Network.
2343.13 - Winter Recreation Site Operating Plans
1. Objectives - the ski area operations (safety) plan is a supplement to the special-use
permit that:
a. Clearly defines the responsibilities of permit holder and the Forest Service.
b. Documents a planned effort to identify potential hazards.
c. Establishes procedures for reducing risks to acceptable levels.
d. Provides for monitoring.
The operation plan objectives should include a statement that there are inherent risks in skiing
and outdoor recreation that can be mitigated but not eliminated. Wording in the plan should not
imply that all hazard or risk will be eliminated.
2. Defining Responsibilities - A key element of every plan is a statement that the permit
holder is responsible for public health and safety within the ski area boundary, including
avalanche stability evaluation (forecasting) and control. The Forest Service shall assure that the
permit holder is redeeming his responsibilities. The Forest Service does this jointly with the
permit holder by developing and monitoring an operation plan to see that the established
procedures and schedules are followed.
Individual authorities and responsibilities must be established stating who is responsible for the
operation at any time. The body of the plan can designate responsibilities by position and title;
then the plan can be current with a roster of personnel.
Requirements of the plan establish duties, responsibility, and hence liability. Therefore, use
judgment in developing requirements. Do not establish unnecessary responsibilities that cannot
be met.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 14 of 17 20
3. Ski Area Boundaries - The ski area boundary is the boundary of the permitted and
private lands developed for skiing. It is not necessarily the permit area or the development
boundary for fee purposes, and it may not include all the lands owned or controlled by the permit
holder. This boundary is designated on a map attached to and made part of the plan; it must be
fenced or signed. The permittee cannot be held responsible for skiers who knowingly leave the
ski area, but off-area search and rescue action should be established in the plan.
The permit holder is responsible for avalanche hazard closures within the ski area boundary.
Where there is a high hazard avalanche area adjacent to but outside the ski area boundary,
warning signs should be posted in addition to ski area boundary markers. A closure by CFR
order is not recommended as it seldom is effective and requires enforcement by qualified Forest
Service employees.
4. General Guidelines - Do not repeat special-use clauses, ANSI standards, etc., unless
necessary. Keep the plan concise with supporting material, lists, or detailed schedules in the
appendix. Separate winter operation from summer development plans. A segmented plan will
permit revising portions without reprinting the entire plan. Revise or update the plan annually
prior to the ski season.
The following is a checklist only; if an item isn't applicable, don't include it.
a. Title and Approval Page
(1) Plan prepared by
date
(2) Approval signatures Supervisor and permit holder.
b. Table of Contents - If necessary.
c. Objectives
d. Responsibilities
e. Ski Runs and Trails
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Hazard marking, padding, and fencing
Policy on racing, jumps, dogs, and other activities on ski slopes
Sign plan - Boundary marking (should be on map)
Opening and closing runs
Out-of-bounds skiing, closed areas
Grooming - Equipment safety
revision date.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 15 of 17 20
f. Avalanche Control - Separate section; should be an appendix or even separate plan for
major avalanche control areas.
(1) Method of determining opening and closing of areas or necessity of control measures
(2) Control methods and procedures
(3) Storage of explosives
(4) Misfires
(5) Routes
(6) Avalanche rescue - equipment and training
(7) Personnel qualifications
(8) Personnel training
(9) Recordkeeping
(10) Closure signing
(11) Photographs of routes with description
g. Lift Operations - This section is supplemental to the ANSI B77.1 Standard. It
provides a means of documenting those operational items subject to approval by the "authority
having jurisdiction." It also establishes procedures for documenting the operators
self-inspections.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Personnel training list of trained operators in appendix.
Special procedures.
Loading and unloading areas.
Procedure for lift shutdown due to wind, lightning, extreme cold, mechanical failures,
etc.
(5)
(6)
aerial lift.
(7)
Checklist for each lift and station - include in appendix.
Lift Evacuation Plan - Establish a maximum time objective for the evacuation of each
Depends on severity of weather, but 1 hour or less is recommended.
Policy on or procedures for transporting ski-bobs, hang gliders, etc.
h. Lift Maintenance - Refer to maintenance records, where kept, and by whom. Records
should include maintenance schedules as well as accomplishment.
(1) Lift accidents - Montana Board of Passenger Tramway Safety procedures.
(2) Procedure for reporting accidents to Forest Service; i.e., for all facilities, all avalanche
accidents, and tramway accidents resulting in injuries, requiring aerial evacuation or which will
require redesign or equipment.
i. Ski Patrol
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
Qualifications, special training needed
Numbers required, rotation procedures, stationing
Sweep procedures
Communications
Accident reporting
First-aid supplies, evacuation sleds, amount, location
First-aid rooms, location, equipment
Ambulance procedures
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
(9) Off-area search and rescue action/procedures
2340
Page 16 of 17 20
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 17 of 17 20
j. Ski School
(1) Policy - Safety instruction for patrons
(2) Special instructor training required, e.g., lift evacuation and avalanche rescue
k. Miscellaneous
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Parking control
Lodge, nursery, etc.
Fire and sanitation
Special events
l. Appendix
(1) Major emergency medical plan
(2) Public information and sign plan
(3) Personnel rosters
m. Summer Operations
Special plans may be necessary for summer operation of lifts and subsidiary services.
n. Construction and Maintenance Plan
Separate operation plans prepared in the spring may be necessary for planned
development work. Items to include are:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Site and facility plan approvals
Erosion control
Fire protection
Timber and debris disposal
Revegetation
5. Monitoring - The operations plan establishes mutually agreed-upon procedures,
training requirements, checklists and logs that provide a system of self-inspection controls. The
Forest Service administrator monitors the permit holders' compliance with these controls.
For example, lift operations monitoring includes checks of conformance with established
procedures, review of operator's qualifications, and a check of the logs; occasional
spot-inspections of switches, brakes, counterweights, condition of loading ramps, etc., are made
as necessary. Likewise, monitoring of avalanche control will require occasional participation
with the permit holders' ski patrol. The frequency and degree of the monitoring required will
depend on the hazards, size of the operation, and how well the permit holder is redeeming his
responsibility. Monitoring will provide feedback for the annual update of the operations plan.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 18 of 17 20
2343.8 - Outfitters and Guides.
Outfitter/Guide Services Needs Determination - The analysis of need for outfitter/guide services
should include an assessment of the total recreation use in the area, as well as the relationships
between physical, ecological and social factors. Forest Land Management Plans and
coordination with State and local agencies are important factors in determining this need.
Outfitted public, non-outfitted public and institutional uses should also be considered. It is the
extent of the allocation to each of these segments that must be determined by the authorized
officer.
Once need is established, the allocation of service days to the outfitted public should be based on
factors such as historical use patterns, results of on-the-ground monitoring, economic viability of
the business and safety considerations that include the public's need for specialized knowledge,
skills, and ability. It should also represent a balanced view and be fair to the diverse publics.
It is important for the authorized officer to consider the outfitter/guide as an extension of the
agency's delivery system. The operating plan for the activity should include specific references
to how the outfitter will conduct specific protective measures for the resources involved as well
as environmental education and interpretation. These items are in addition to the normal
contents of an operating plan which specify how each part of the activity will be managed. The
operating plan is essential to the outfitter-agency relationship, since it is against the operating
plan that the outfitter is inspected and rated.
Coordination with States. Idaho and Montana State laws require that certain recreation
activities be licensed or permitted as outfitting or guiding. The activities and requirements vary
by State. Montana law regulates outfitting and guiding only in connection with hunting and
fishing, whereas Idaho law includes other activities.
1. Idaho - Authorized officers will coordinate with the Idaho Outfitter and Guide Licensing
Board in accordance with the October 4, 1985, memorandum of understanding (FS-01-85-25), as
amended, by Forest Service Regions 1, 4, and 6, and the Idaho Outfitter and Guide Board (FSM
1561).
2. Montana - Outfitter and guide licensing is administered by the Montana Outfitters Board
under the Department of Commerce. Authorized officers will coordinate outfitter and guide
permits with this agency per the memorandum of understanding (FS-01-91-19) by the Forest
Service (R-1), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (R-6), Bureau of Land Management (Montana),
and the Montana Board of Outfitters - Department of Commerce dated November 27, 1990.
Helicopter Operations
The use of helicopters for recreation in hazardous terrain is increasing. When helicopters are
used in conjunction with skiing the combination of adverse terrain and weather can result in a
high degree of avalanche hazard to the skier. Because of the hazards involved and the
specialized equipment and experience required for safe operation, all proposed helicopter
outfitting permits and safety plans will be submitted for Regional review prior to issuance.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 19 of 17 20
The minimum requirements for permitting public helicopter operations are:
1. The following Federal air regulations apply:
a. Part 135, Commercial Flights for Compensation or Hire.
b. Part 133, as applicable.
Pilots must have a minimum of 200 hours mountainous experience or equivalent for the type of
flight to be performed.
Each pilot will be certified as having met these requirements by the Regional air officer or a
designate.
2. Additional requirements for alpine or powder helicopter skiing:
a. Guide Requirements. Where helicopters are used for alpine or powder skiing each
party must be accompanied by a qualified guide. Qualified guides must meet the following
requirements:
(1) Completed at least 40 hours of formalized avalanche training through the National
Avalanche School, Avalanche Institute, or equivalent;
(2) Have at least 1 season's recent experience as a guide or ski patrolman;
(3) Have recent training in emergency first aid and winter rescue;
(4) Be a qualified avalanche blaster where explosives are to be used for control.
(Where certification for items (3) and (4) is not available the authorizing officer must use
judgment on an individual's qualifications.)
b. Equipment
(1) Each skier and guide will be equipped with an avalanche transceiver operating on a
frequency of 2275 Hz;
(2) Avalanche rescue equipment must be readily available; and
(3) Emergency first aid and winter survival equipment must be carried with each party.
c. Safety plans will include maps outlining the areas to be skied, flight routes and an
avalanche hazard analysis.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2300-94-2
EFFECTIVE DATE 7/7/94
2340
Page 20 of 17 20
Winter Outfitting and Guiding - Ski Touring
Issuance of permits for ski touring, winter survival and other winter-guiding activities will
require that the guide, leader, or instructor of the touring program be trained or certified and
approved by a recognized ski guide group. Training should involve participation in approved
field clinics, with attendant examination, to assure the guides are skilled in guiding techniques to
include:
(1) Selection and use of nordic skiing equipment, clothing and gear;
(2) Proper skiing techniques on various types of snow and terrain;
(3) Procedures for planning and leading tours and making route selections;
(4) Use of topographical maps and a compass;
(5) Application of first aid techniques;
(6) Procedures for treating hypothermia, sunburn, dehydration, snowblindness, altitude
sickness and other conditions;
(7) Personal protection measures of starting fires, snow caving and other techniques for
keeping warm and surviving in the winter environment;
(8) Recognition of avalanche dangers and other mountain hazards. Understanding of
weather forecasting, snow conditions, etc.;
(9) Knowledge of rescue procedures, emergency equipment, safety rules and precautions.
Several organizations offer training in ski-touring guide and instructor certification. Some
groups have adopted curriculums and training schedules that require high standards of
performance. The training programs provided by the Professional Ski Instructors Association
and the U.S. Ski Association are recognized as being acceptable.
Other local groups may be recognized as qualified for certification, depending on the programs
they develop. Groups not affiliated with National organizations will not be routinely acceptable.
Divisions of National associations approved for certification will be monitored to assure
certification standards are kept to a satisfactory level.