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Rogers Pass Access Issue

To the skiers and snowboarders who frequent Glacier National Park - Rogers Pass:

Our access is being restricted!

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NEWS UPDATE

Access to Ross Peak restored as of March 6. Please read more by downloading this Word document.

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The area most skiers use at Rogers Pass consists of 11 permit areas. These are areas that are actively controlled for avalanche hazards impacting the road. During times of avalanche control these areas are closed to skier traffic. Also in these areas are rail lines owned by Canadian Pacific Railway which sees upwards of 40 trains per day.

The permit process was implemented in 1996. Five of these eleven permit areas include CP Rail private property. Generally users have accessed these areas without incident. In recent years with the increase in numbers of users more incidents/violations have occurred. These incidents include one situation where users were on the tracks/trestle bridge and the train was forced to stop suddenly, thus creating a serious safety issue. These recent events have forced CP Rail to start fining trespassers on their land.

This position prevents Glacier National Park from issuing permits to access the areas that include CP Rail private property.

What does this mean?

You can no longer ski or ride in the following areas - Shaughnessy, Tupper, Ross Peak, Smart and Fortitude. Crossing into Flat Creek is also an infraction. Because of the actions of a few users Glacier National Park can no longer issue permits for 5 of the 11 permit areas - this cuts out a lot of skiable terrain.

What can we do about it?

Please respond to one of the methods of communication below.

- email: rogerspass.winterpermits@pc.gc.ca

- call the Parks Canada office in Revelstoke at 250-837-7500
- stop in at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre
- go to the WiKi site: http://storycatcher.wetpaint.com/?t=anon

When you contact the above, present possible solutions such as:

1. Implementation of pedestrian crossings, overpasses or tunnels
2. Cut trails in the woods to bypass rail access or ensure there is only one route crossing/paralleling rail tracks
3. Self police to ensure all users respect private property
4. Increase parking areas for access to limit exposure to private property
5. More education from Rogers Pass Discovery Center to ensure users know where they are going and where they can travel safely
6. Recreationalist will not enter private CP Rail lands to park their vehicles

Currently the five permit areas discussed above will remain closed until solutions are in place and the problems are resolved.

In conclusion Rogers Pass is here for you to discover and enjoy! Please express your concerns through the above opportunities to ensure we will be able to access this area for years to come!

The above text was taken from the Prince George Section's e-newsletter. It was submitted by ACC member Dave King.