Last Week’s Buzz: Chairlift Crashes, New Laws & Home Tax Surprises!
Photo Credit: Jason Connolly/Summit Daily News Archive
1. Two snowboarders plunge 37 feet from a chairlift at Breckenridge Ski Resort—almost at the same spot!
In a startling series of events, Breckenridge Ski Resort has confirmed that two snowboarders took quite the fall from chairlifts just a week apart.
On December 13, ski patrol rushed to the scene after a 31-year-old man fell from the Beaver Run Chair on Peak 9. Just three days later, on December 16, another snowboarder, only 21 years old, suffered a similar fate from the very same lift. Both individuals were promptly transported to the Breckenridge Medical Center.
The Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board has launched an initial investigation into these incidents, concluding that no lift malfunction is suspected. By state law, the board is responsible for investigating any death or injury potentially caused by tramway malfunctions.
Both incidents occurred between towers 30 and 31, where the breathtaking drop from the chairlift measures approximately 37 feet, according to board reports.
— Ryan Spencer
2. Ring in the New Year with new laws: 5 key changes coming to Colorado
Starting January 1, prepare for some changes on the road! Colorado drivers caught holding their phones while driving will face a $75 ticket and two points on their license. But here’s the silver lining—first-time offenders can dodge the penalty by showing proof of purchasing a hands-free accessory!
Keep in mind, repeat offenders will see their fines and license points escalate.
Shocking but true: about 77% of Colorado drivers admitted to using their phones while behind the wheel, according to a recent survey from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The stakes are high; using a mobile device while driving can increase crash risks by two to six times!
As of January, 29 other states will also implement distracted driving bans. Stay safe out there!
— Elliot Wenzler
3. Dramatic shift: Proposal to tax vacant homes in Colorado excludes short-term rentals
Exciting news on the legislative front! A proposal allowing local governments in Colorado to ask voters for a tax on vacant homes will now exclude short-term rentals, should it be introduced this upcoming session.
Just last week, the Colorado Association of Ski Towns, which has been advocating for a vacancy tax, hinted that short-term rentals could be affected. However, recent statements indicate that they now plan to exempt these properties from any potential legislation.
“This shows an understanding that home-rule municipalities already have a variety of tools to manage the impacts of short-term rentals,” said Executive Director Margaret Bowes. “Many communities are already implementing new regulations, and they want to assess their effectiveness first.”
Industry representatives received this news during a virtual meeting hosted by the Summit Alliance of Vacation Rental Managers.
For the first time, municipalities would have the power to levy taxes on homes that remain unoccupied for a specified number of days annually. With over 40% of homes in some ski resort areas remaining vacant year-round, the goal of this vacancy tax is to encourage homeowners to offer long-term rentals to local residents in need of housing.
The revenue generated could then be funneled into community initiatives, particularly workforce housing. It’s a win-win for residents and visitors alike!
— Robert Tann
4. Brace yourself: Lift ticket prices soar above $300 at popular Colorado resorts this Christmas!
As the holiday rush approaches, single-day lift ticket prices at some of Colorado’s top mountain resorts are set to skyrocket, with two resorts charging over $300!
From December 21 through January 5, a one-day adult lift ticket at Vail Mountain will cost a staggering $329! Those looking to save should purchase in advance—tickets will be $313 until December 25 and $295 until January 5.
Neighboring Beaver Creek mirrors these same-day prices, with advance tickets priced at $312 through December 25 and $295 through January 5.
These two resorts proudly hold the title for the most expensive single-day lift tickets in the state, surpassing last December’s same-day prices of $299 at both locations.
Over the past six seasons, same-day ticket prices at Vail have surged by more than $100 during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. If you’re planning to ski this holiday season, be prepared to dig deeper into your pockets!
Here’s a breakdown of peak prices for same-day adult lift tickets at various resorts between December 21 and January 5:
- Breckenridge Ski Resort: $299
- Steamboat Ski Resort: $299
- Keystone Resort: $292
- Winter Park Resort: $267
- Aspen Snowmass: $264
- Copper Mountain Resort: $264
- Arapahoe Basin Ski Area: $189
- Loveland Ski Area: $149
— Robert Tann
5. What’s the buzz about Flock cameras? Silverthorne is joining the trend!
In a crime-fighting stride, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office has announced that Silverthorne will soon integrate into a nationwide security camera network with several new installations on its major roads.
Undersheriff Peter Haynes shared the exciting news during a December 11 meeting, revealing that thanks to a $472,000 grant, areas such as Adams Avenue, Maryland Creek Road, and Buffalo Mountain Drive will be equipped with Flock Safety cameras.
Flock cameras utilize Automatic License Plate Recognition technology to funnel information into central databases. Law enforcement agencies and private entities nationwide have already turned to Flock Safety’s systems for assistance. In fact, the Colorado State Patrol has deployed Flock cameras along Interstate 70 to help track stolen vehicles all the way to California!
While Flock Safety’s systems have garnered both praise and criticism, they’ve proven effective in retrieving stolen vehicles in some regions. However, privacy concerns have led others to discontinue their contracts with Flock.
To alleviate worries, Haynes stated, “No one will be monitoring these cameras in real-time.” He also mentioned discussions about adding more cameras in other Summit communities, including Dillon and a couple in Breckenridge.
This impressive $472,000 federal grant came through thanks to U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, who advocated for funding to combat issues like human and drug trafficking along Interstate 70.
Haynes emphasized the technological advantages of Flock cameras, stating they can identify more than just license plate numbers, aiding in missing person cases and providing a substantial boost to community safety.
— Kit Geary
