SPECIAL NOTICE

For many years prior to 2005, when the previous owner sold Royal Gorge to the current ownership group, public use of our property was not allowed without a valid trail pass, or when the ski area was closed.  When the new owners acquired Royal Gorge, we  were more permissive regarding  use of our trails during times when the resort was closed.  While this new policy was greeted with enthusiasm from trail users, it probably increased our risk of  litigation related to liability.

Recent  changes occurring in the financial, banking, and insurance industries prompt our return to the longstanding policy prohibiting Royal Gorge trail use except during winter, when users carry a valid trail pass.  Bankers and insurance companies are more concerned about risk than ever.  These changes in the business environment are beyond our control. 

I have attached a map reflecting Royal Gorge property ownership. 

Public access will remain available in the following areas per existing rights:

·         U.S. Forest Service parcel adjacent to Soda Springs Road; the boundaries of this USFS property are marked with signage upon the trails that enter Royal Gorge property.  Parking is available seasonally on Soda Springs Road, but not in winter.

·         Kidd Lake Road originating at the west end of Pahatsi and traveling west on the dirt road; no parking is available winter or summer at the Summit Station base lodge without a trail pass

·         Baker Ranch Road/ Soda Springs Road originating at the south end of Soda Springs Road and traveling southward on the dirt road; no parking is available at Ice Lakes Lodge

·         Old Lincoln Highway originating in the Soda Springs parking lot then proceeding east on the dirt road located north of Lake Van Norden  

Unfortunately, public access across Royal Gorge lands to reach public lands surrounding Royal Gorge property will no longer be available, except in winter when users carry a valid trail pass. 

The prohibition upon access to Royal Gorge lands  includes all Royal Gorge property and will affect several popular destinations:

·         Van Norden Meadow (western half is Royal Gorge property)

·         Rowton Peak/ "Lola's Lookout" (Royal Gorge property)

·         Palisade Peak (Royal Gorge property lies between Serene Lakes subdivision and U.S.F.S. land) 

·         Point Mariah overlooking the Royal Gorge/ North Fork of the American River to the south (Royal Gorge property lies between Baker Ranch Road and U.S.F.S. land). 

 While public property exists on top of Palisade Peak and south of Royal Gorge property overlooking the North Fork of the American River, users will need to reach these areas without traversing Royal Gorge lands, except with a trail pass during winter.

Thank you for observing permissible uses of Royal Gorge lands.  Of necessity, we will be conducting enforcement of the policy consistent with laws prohibiting trespass. 

In closing, we regret that financial conditions at this time do not permit us to allow access or use of Royal Gorge property when the resort is closed.  Please contact me with any questions or concerns.  We appreciate your understanding during these challenging times, and we look forward to seeing you at Ice Lakes and Rainbow Lodges until the snow falls, and back at Royal Gorge Cross Country Resort next winter!

Sincerely,

 David Achey

General Manager

Royal Gorge, LLC

Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort, was founded in 1971, and offers you an extensive network of trails over thousands of acres of snow-clad wilderness in the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. You can sample us in a day by enjoying the friendly services of our day lodge, or better still, savor us for a week by staying in trailside lodges that you'll never want to leave.

Superbly situated just a short drive from world famous Lake Tahoe and our gateway city Reno, Royal Gorge is the largest cross country ski resort in North America and has been ranked "Number One" by Snow Country Magazine. Here's just some of the reasons why:

* More than 9000 acres of skiing terrain
* An annual snowfall exceeding 600 inches
* The largest groomed track system in North America
* Two overnight lodges: Rainbow and Ice Lakes Lodge
* A spacious day lodge with first class facilities
* Eight rejuvenating warming huts
* Three refreshing trailside cafes
* Several stimulating Inn to Inn trails
* A base elevation of 7000 feet