SNOWBLOG

Backcountry Collision a Hot Topic in Aspen

By Bob Berwyn, 2-09-07

Aaaah, the wide-open backcountry in the snowy mountains of Colorado. Or maybe not so wide open around some of the busy ski resorts like Aspen, where a recent collision between a snowboarder and a snowmobiler led to all sorts of soul-searching, and now even a call for increased regulation in some favored side-country stashes, where the traffic is apparently getting out of control.

The Jan. 14 crash on Richmond Ridge left both men injured. The ‘boarder, a local pro by the name of Doran Laybourn, was in the hospital for two weeks. One of his legs was shattered in the accident. The snowmobile driver spent four days undergoing treatment and observation, and local law enforcement officials investigated to determine whether any charges were in order. In the end, the sheriff’s department did not pursue any action. But the Aspen Times is reporting that both men involved in the wreck think local officials should do more to improve safety on the backside of Aspen Mountain. In a separate story, Aspen Times writer Scott Condon reported that a discussion thread on the snowboardmag.com Website got a little out of control, featuring threats against the snowmobiler.

The Times also offered a summary of law enforcement activities during the recent Winter X Games, reporting that the local police department responded to about 500 calls during the Jan. 25-28 event, and made 35 arrests. The arrest charges included underage drinking, minor in possession, driving while under the influence, disorderly conduct, urinating in public, criminal mischief, theft, domestic violence, drug and drug paraphernalia possession, a weapons offense and arrests for outstanding warrants, probably not all that unusual for an event of that size.

Meanwhile, in Summit County, the town of Breckenridge may consider an ordinance to limit the number of real estate and other professional offices along Main Street, seen as a quaint Victorian shopping district by some, and a glorified outdoor mall by others. At last count, about 20 percent of the total first floor commercial space along the street was occupied by offices, a big jump up from the last count done several years ago.

The Summit Daily News reported on the issue, and locals weighed in quickly on the subject, leaving more than 25 comments on the story at the Summit Daily News Website. It’s apparent from the discussion thread that feelings are pretty strong on both sides of the issue. Some Realtors are resenting a potential restriction and feel unfairly singled out. Nobody seems particularly thrilled about the idea of government getting involved in regulating the Main Street business environment. One anonymous poster, obviously feeling a bit sarcastic, said the ban on new real estate offices could make more room for honorable businesses, like “brothels, opium dens and newspapers.”

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