Backcountry Ski Permit Issued

Wed., Nov. 29, 1995

Associated Press

The Forest Service has issued a one-year permit to Snow Inc. for guided backcountry skiing on Soldier Mountain near Fairfield, despite objections from snowmobilers.

The 1,515-acre permit area in the Sawtooth National Forest is just west of Soldier Mountain ski area and will be closed to snowmobiling during the Snowcat skiing season.

A six-ton Snowcat will carry up to 16 people up backcountry trails that skiers can slide back down.

Don Schiermeier, president of Snow Inc., said Monday that his company also would offer Snowcat tours to non-skiing sightseers, avalanche study groups and search-and-rescue practice teams. He also might offer overnight group camping tours.

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