Ski Area Master Development Plans

The White River National Forest permits 11 commercial downhill ski resorts to operate on National Forest System lands. Each ski area pays a use fee based on the income it derives from its use of National Forest System lands. This fee goes directly back to the Federal treasury.

Ski areas are encouraged to prepare Master Development Plans to identify the existing and desired conditions for the ski area as well as the proposed improvements on the National Forest System lands within the permit boundary. These plans help the ski areas articulate their long-range vision, and they help the Forest Service anticipate future use. The plans provide local governments, other agencies, and the public with information about possible long-term plans that may affect them.

The Forest Service will accept a Master Development Plan if it determines the conceptual projects described meet Forest Plan goals and objectives.  Acceptance of the MDP is not authorization to proceed with construction or implementation of any proposed projects. Specific projects proposed in an MDP require a more in-depth, site-specific evaluation prior to proceeding into environmental review and/or analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act.