Snowmobile Registration and Permit Fees

I would need transparency on how the current registration fees are being spent and what is proposed on how the funds from the increased fees would be spent before supporting any such increase. I would like to know what the standard is that's being used for "groomed" trails as I've been beat up by many washboard trails that I mainly use to access un-groomed powder fields. There should be a reduced fee for multiple vehicles registered by the same family as they are not always used simultaneously. The rental companies whose equipment utilize the trails at a much higher rate than most individual users should be asked to bear a higher cost for registration.

I echo many points shared already on the opposition to increase permit fee's. More "no snowmobile" signs are going up as well at areas like Vail Pass, zones that I have been riding for 20 years, that's no fun, and skier traffic tends to be the reason for that. Are skiers paying their fair share?

It would be meaningful for all to see where the budget goes and what zones the money impacts (Vail Pass, Rabbit Ears, etc?)

The sport is becoming more costly, and I honor more expensive for DOPW to operate too. Perhaps their is a balance that can be struck w/ tourists operations? I get that angle too, increase the costs for tourists and local business' have to adjust their pricing too. Good ol' economics.

Overall, I am not in favor of price increasing. The snow will fall and we will rip.

I echo many points shared already on the opposition to increase permit fee's. More "no snowmobile" signs are going up as well at areas like Vail Pass, zones that I have been riding for 20 years, that's no fun, and skier traffic tends to be the reason for that. Are skiers paying their fair share?

It would be meaningful for all to see where the budget goes and what zones the money impacts (Vail Pass, Rabbit Ears, etc?)

The sport is becoming more costly, and I honor more expensive for DOPW to operate too. Perhaps their is a balance that can be struck w/ tourists operations? I get that angle too, increase the costs for tourists and local business' have to adjust their pricing too. Good ol' economics.

Overall, I am not in favor of price increasing. The snow will fall and we will rip.

As a Summit County local who has been riding the back country at Vail Pass and Rabbit Ears for the past 12 years I can get behind a registration increase of 25%. If the prices haven't been increased since 2007, then that's on those in public offices with the power to do so, a gradual increase bi-annually to account for inflation would have made more sense.

Additionally, if the price of snowmobile registration is going to go up, then the growing presence of "No Snowmobiling" signs also needs to come down. There are plenty of access points to ride where there aren't rangers present to check and see if a sled is registered, so if you're limiting back country access at places like Vail Pass, sledders are going to start riding in alternative zones and they're not going to bother registering their toys.

My last thought is that if snowmobilers are going to be paying to register their sleds, and hunters have to pay to access hunting units, then back country skiers should also require a seasonal permit to access those same areas, the day passes are one thing, but skies should be treated as a form of transportation in the back country as well since they are also putting wear and tear on the alpine environment. Thanks for reading.

I echo many points shared already on the opposition to increase permit fee's. More "no snowmobile" signs are going up as well at areas like Vail Pass, zones that I have been riding for 20 years, that's no fun, and skier traffic tends to be the reason for that. Are skiers paying their fair share?

It would be meaningful for all to see where the budget goes and what zones the money impacts (Vail Pass, Rabbit Ears, etc?)

The sport is becoming more costly, and I honor more expensive for DOPW to operate too. Perhaps their is a balance that can be struck w/ tourists operations? I get that angle too, increase the costs for tourists and local business' have to adjust their pricing too. Good ol' economics.

Overall, I am not in favor of price increasing. The snow will fall and we will rip.

I echo many points shared already on the opposition to increase permit fee's. More "no snowmobile" signs are going up as well at areas like Vail Pass, zones that I have been riding for 20 years, that's no fun, and skier traffic tends to be the reason for that. Are skiers paying their fair share?

It would be meaningful for all to see where the budget goes and what zones the money impacts (Vail Pass, Rabbit Ears, etc?)

The sport is becoming more costly, and I honor more expensive for DOPW to operate too. Perhaps their is a balance that can be struck w/ tourists operations? I get that angle too, increase the costs for tourists and local business' have to adjust their pricing too. Good ol' economics.

Overall, I am not in favor of price increasing. The snow will fall and we will rip.

An actual detailed report on the dispersion of the funds that the proposed increase in registration fees will go to would be helpful to justify and visualize the increase. otherwise I would assume this is just more padding for CPW which does not actually benefit anything related to snowmobilng or the snowmobile industry in CO , grooming, or future planning for the activity/sport.

An actual detailed report on the dispersion of the funds that the proposed increase in registration fees will go to would be helpful to justify and visualize the increase. otherwise I would assume this is just more padding for CPW which does not actually benefit anything related to snowmobilng or the snowmobile industry in CO , grooming, or future planning for the activity/sport.

An actual detailed report on the dispersion of the funds that the proposed increase in registration fees will go to would be helpful to justify and visualize the increase. otherwise I would assume this is just more padding for CPW which does not actually benefit anything related to snowmobilng or the snowmobile industry in CO , grooming, or future planning for the activity/sport.

An actual detailed report on the dispersion of the funds that the proposed increase in registration fees will go to would be helpful to justify and visualize the increase. otherwise I would assume this is just more padding for CPW which does not actually benefit anything related to snowmobilng or the snowmobile industry in CO , grooming, or future planning for the activity/sport.

If the whole purpose of paying CPW for snowmobile and atv registrations is to prevent thefts of snowmobiles and atvs then CPW isn't doing their job. All they do is check your registration, if they aren't current they write you a ticket. This is wrong. I'm assuming CPW and the Forest Service/BLM pays it's employees $15-20 an hour maybe more. But these people run around CO just collecting revenue. This is wrong! Why would anyone pay an organization money to steal from us, if the one and only goal is to serve the people and protect the people from thieves, then I think this whole thing is just a scam. Government only exists because we the people allow them to. They are our slaves. I see no benefit at all in paying these registration fees, it benefits no one, and I personally know that they don't even check these off-road vehicles to see if they are stolen. They only want revenue for this out of control evil government. I'm absolutely convinced that governments and courts are only collection agencies. It's martial-law and the government went bankrupt back on 9/17/1999. They just forgot to tell everyone. Shame on them. I'm sure the employees of these organizations don't know this, and many of them are doing their jobs to the best of their abilities. But this is egregious to us as citizens of the former United States of America. This money is not used to maintain trails as most trails are groomed/maintained by local snowmobile/atv clubs.
The Forest Service pays for signs and markers. There shouldn't be any snowmobile, atv, or boat registration fees. There also shouldn't be any ANS boat inspections, they are a joke at best. They don't prevent what they are intended to prevent and they never will. Same thing goes for the whole purpose of having snowmobile/atv registrations. They were intended to prevent theft, and now they're just a cash cow for a fraudulent state organization that doesn't have a real state flag, and has no authorization to exist. Stop flying the yellow fringed CO state flag in the governors office, and get rid of the spire on the flag pole. The states came to an end in 2001 after the bankruptcy. Let's bypass the state and give our money to local snowmobile/atv clubs on a voluntary basis. The people running this fraudulent state hate hunters, and recreational motorized trail users. This is a little more than obvious, and nothing but a way to tax/steal from us, which is what taxes actually are. It's called theft at gun point.

The commercial use of the trail systems is a significant cause of concern. In the Steamboat Springs area, Rabbit Ears, Buffalo Pass and North Routt the commercial utilization of trails has increased significantly. The USFS permits have increased and then commercial users are taking advantage of the private users fees and not paying their fair share. The volume of traffic on the North Routt trail system has increases and the trail management has suffered to the point that the very dated equipment get broken down and the costs to repair and maintain are increasing. The commercial operators in the area to not pay any more to gain the same access yet their use is exponentially more. For every private rider, whether local or Colorado resident or out-of-state user, the commercial operators are using trails daily and pay the same fee. That is not an equitable split in this equation. The fees for the commercial operators in this exact conversation need to be increased many more times than the private users. Those costs will be passed through to the end user, but those commercial sleds are putting more miles on the trails than any private user could. Perhaps the significant fee for commercial use is paid directly to the snow club that manages the trail system related to the USFS area that the commercial operators utilize. Perhaps there is a feasible way to make an offset charge, in-lieu of the fee if the commercial operator owns and operates trail grooming equipment and grooms the public access trails on a fair and agreed upon schedule, that coordinates with the local snow club. This fee in-lieu would need to be fair to the private users that are not gaining a tax benefit by purchasing equipment and offsetting income generated by commercial use, similar to a per mile deduction for our vehicles.
I think an increase for private user fees is reasonable, I also think a non-motorized user fee is a reasonable point of discussion as well. Ski areas have invested into to summer infrastructure and they charge fees for the use of the trails, I feel the argument can be made that a fee around 30-50% of what a snowmobile registration fee would be reasonable. We must pay to access National and State Parks, the use of the trails creates maintenance and that maintenance needs to be fairly spread between All users.
Snowmobiles pay taxes on the gas that is used for the roads, even though the roads are not used by the snowmobiles. If a user would like to access the winter trail systems, then a fee is reasonable. The State Park has pedestrian fees, so it is feasible to create a non-motorized trail user fee.

The commercial use of the trail systems is a significant cause of concern. In the Steamboat Springs area, Rabbit Ears, Buffalo Pass and North Routt the commercial utilization of trails has increased significantly. The USFS permits have increased and then commercial users are taking advantage of the private users fees and not paying their fair share. The volume of traffic on the North Routt trail system has increases and the trail management has suffered to the point that the very dated equipment get broken down and the costs to repair and maintain are increasing. The commercial operators in the area to not pay any more to gain the same access yet their use is exponentially more. For every private rider, whether local or Colorado resident or out-of-state user, the commercial operators are using trails daily and pay the same fee. That is not an equitable split in this equation. The fees for the commercial operators in this exact conversation need to be increased many more times than the private users. Those costs will be passed through to the end user, but those commercial sleds are putting more miles on the trails than any private user could. Perhaps the significant fee for commercial use is paid directly to the snow club that manages the trail system related to the USFS area that the commercial operators utilize. Perhaps there is a feasible way to make an offset charge, in-lieu of the fee if the commercial operator owns and operates trail grooming equipment and grooms the public access trails on a fair and agreed upon schedule, that coordinates with the local snow club. This fee in-lieu would need to be fair to the private users that are not gaining a tax benefit by purchasing equipment and offsetting income generated by commercial use, similar to a per mile deduction for our vehicles.
I think an increase for private user fees is reasonable, I also think a non-motorized user fee is a reasonable point of discussion as well. Ski areas have invested into to summer infrastructure and they charge fees for the use of the trails, I feel the argument can be made that a fee around 30-50% of what a snowmobile registration fee would be reasonable. We must pay to access National and State Parks, the use of the trails creates maintenance and that maintenance needs to be fairly spread between All users.
Snowmobiles pay taxes on the gas that is used for the roads, even though the roads are not used by the snowmobiles. If a user would like to access the winter trail systems, then a fee is reasonable. The State Park has pedestrian fees, so it is feasible to create a non-motorized trail user fee.

Opposition to Proposed Fee Increase for Snowmobilers

Introduction
I am writing to express my strong disapproval of the proposed fee increase for snowmobilers. This increase is unjustified and overlooks the contributions of the snowmobiling community, creating an unfair disparity in fee application.

Unjust Burden on Snowmobilers
It is unacceptable that snowmobilers are expected to be the primary financial supporters for trail maintenance. We already significantly contribute to the upkeep of these trails, and it is unreasonable to bear the entire financial burden while other user groups contribute nothing.

Diverse Uses of Snowmobiles
Many snowmobilers, including myself, use our snowmobiles for activities beyond groomed trails and incur various fees for licenses and permits. Other trail users, such as hikers and bikers, also benefit from these trails and should similarly share in the fee responsibilities.

Concerns Regarding the Proposed Fee Increase
The proposed fee increase is excessive and raises concerns about fairness. In regions like western Colorado, the revenue generated does not directly benefit local snowmobilers. The current registration system fails to acknowledge the contributions of other user groups who should also help maintain these shared trails.

Conclusion
The actions of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) are disappointing to the snowmobiling community. Raising fees based on a small number of trail users is illogical. I urge CPW to reassess their fee structures and focus on equitable contributions from all trail users to preserve our trails for everyone's enjoyment.

Opposition to Proposed Fee Increase for Snowmobilers
Introduction
I am writing to formally express my profound disapproval regarding the proposed increase in fees for snowmobilers. This increase is not only unwarranted; it fails to consider the interests and contributions of the snowmobiling community. The evident disparity in the application of these fees is both frustrating and unfair.
Unjust Burden on Snowmobilers
It is fundamentally unacceptable that snowmobilers are being singled out as the primary financial supporters for the maintenance of trails. Snowmobilers contribute significantly to the upkeep of these trails, and it is unreasonable to expect us to bear the entire financial burden while other user groups benefit without making any contributions.
Diverse Uses of Snowmobiles
Moreover, many snowmobilers, myself included, utilize our snowmobiles for a variety of activities that extend beyond groomed trails. We already incur multiple fees associated with licenses and permits for our trailers and recreational vehicles. It is crucial to recognize that other user groups, such as hikers, mountain bikers, and skiers, also enjoy and benefit from these trails. Therefore, it is only fair that they too should be charged fees that reflect their use of these shared resources.
Steady Fee Increases Without Improvements
With the steady increase in fees over the years, one would reasonably expect to see a corresponding improvement in the availability and quality of groomed trails for snowmobilers. Regrettably, this expectation has not materialized. The rise in fees has not translated into enhancements or expansions of services for snowmobilers, raising concerns about the management of funds. It is imperative that the agencies responsible prioritize the needs and concerns of all trail users rather than misappropriating resources.
Concerns Regarding the Proposed Fee Increase
The proposed increase in fees is excessive and raises significant questions about fairness and equity. In western and south western regions Colorado, where the number of groomed trails is limited, much of the revenue generated from these fees does not directly benefit local snowmobilers. Furthermore, the current registration system does not adequately account for the contributions of other user groups who should also play a role in maintaining these shared trails.
Conclusion
In summary, the actions taken by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) are disappointing to the snowmobiling community. The decision to raise fees for snowmobilers, based solely on a small number of individuals who utilize groomed trails, is illogical and indicative of a misallocation of resources. The majority of snowmobilers do not prioritize riding on these groomed trails, and I strongly urge CPW to reassess their approach to trail maintenance and fee structures. Instead of placing the burden solely on snowmobilers, they should focus on ensuring equitable contributions from all trail users, thereby preserving the integrity of our trails for the enjoyment of everyone involved.

Opposition to Proposed Fee Increase for Snowmobilers

Introduction
I am writing to formally express my profound disapproval regarding the proposed increase in fees for snowmobilers. This increase is not only unwarranted; it fails to consider the interests and contributions of the snowmobiling community. The evident disparity in the application of these fees is both frustrating and unfair.

Unjust Burden on Snowmobilers

It is fundamentally unacceptable that snowmobilers are being singled out as the primary financial supporters for the maintenance of trails. Snowmobilers contribute significantly to the upkeep of these trails, and it is unreasonable to expect us to bear the entire financial burden while other user groups benefit without making any contributions.

Diverse Uses of Snowmobiles

Moreover, many snowmobilers, myself included, utilize our snowmobiles for a variety of activities that extend beyond groomed trails. We already incur multiple fees associated with licenses and permits for our trailers and recreational vehicles. It is crucial to recognize that other user groups, such as hikers, mountain bikers, and skiers, also enjoy and benefit from these trails. Therefore, it is only fair that they too should be charged fees that reflect their use of these shared resources.

Steady Fee Increases Without Improvements

With the steady increase in fees over the years, one would reasonably expect to see a corresponding improvement in the availability and quality of groomed trails for snowmobilers. Regrettably, this expectation has not materialized. The rise in fees has not translated into enhancements or expansions of services for snowmobilers, raising concerns about the management of funds. It is imperative that the agencies responsible prioritize the needs and concerns of all trail users rather than misappropriating resources.

Concerns Regarding the Proposed Fee Increase

The proposed increase in fees is excessive and raises significant questions about fairness and equity. In western and south western regions Colorado, where the number of groomed trails is limited, much of the revenue generated from these fees does not directly benefit local snowmobilers. Furthermore, the current registration system does not adequately account for the contributions of other user groups who should also play a role in maintaining these shared trails.

Conclusion

In summary, the actions taken by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) are disappointing to the snowmobiling community. The decision to raise fees for snowmobilers, based solely on a small number of individuals who utilize groomed trails, is illogical and indicative of a misallocation of resources. The majority of snowmobilers do not prioritize riding on these groomed trails, and I strongly urge CPW to reassess their approach to trail maintenance and fee structures. Instead of placing the burden solely on snowmobilers, they should focus on ensuring equitable contributions from all trail users, thereby preserving the integrity of our trails for the enjoyment of everyone involved.

Opposition to Proposed Fee Increase for Snowmobilers

Introduction
I am writing to formally express my profound disapproval regarding the proposed increase in fees for snowmobilers. This increase is not only unwarranted; it fails to consider the interests and contributions of the snowmobiling community. The evident disparity in the application of these fees is both frustrating and unfair.

Unjust Burden on Snowmobilers
It is fundamentally unacceptable that snowmobilers are being singled out as the primary financial supporters for the maintenance of trails. Snowmobilers contribute significantly to the upkeep of these trails, and it is unreasonable to expect us to bear the entire financial burden while other user groups benefit without making any contributions.

Diverse Uses of Snowmobiles
Moreover, many snowmobilers, myself included, utilize our snowmobiles for a variety of activities that extend beyond groomed trails. We already incur multiple fees associated with licenses and permits for our trailers and recreational vehicles. It is crucial to recognize that other user groups, such as hikers, mountain bikers, and skiers, also enjoy and benefit from these trails. Therefore, it is only fair that they too should be charged fees that reflect their use of these shared resources.
Steady Fee Increases Without Improvements
With the steady increase in fees over the years, one would reasonably expect to see a corresponding improvement in the availability and quality of groomed trails for snowmobilers. Regrettably, this expectation has not materialized. The rise in fees has not translated into enhancements or expansions of services for snowmobilers, raising concerns about the management of funds. It is imperative that the agencies responsible prioritize the needs and concerns of all trail users rather than misappropriating resources.

Concerns Regarding the Proposed Fee Increase
The proposed increase in fees is excessive and raises significant questions about fairness and equity. In western and south western regions Colorado, where the number of groomed trails is limited, much of the revenue generated from these fees does not directly benefit local snowmobilers. Furthermore, the current registration system does not adequately account for the contributions of other user groups who should also play a role in maintaining these shared trails.

Conclusion
In summary, the actions taken by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) are disappointing to the snowmobiling community. The decision to raise fees for snowmobilers, based solely on a small number of individuals who utilize groomed trails, is illogical and indicative of a misallocation of resources. The majority of snowmobilers do not prioritize riding on these groomed trails, and I strongly urge CPW to reassess their approach to trail maintenance and fee structures. Instead of placing the burden solely on snowmobilers, they should focus on ensuring equitable contributions from all trail users, thereby preserving the integrity of our trails for the enjoyment of everyone involved.

Absolutely NOT. We are paying an insane amount of taxes and fees as it is. Our Tax Payor Bill of Rights says the government can't raise taxes without a vote of the people and this government just changes the name to "fee" and then taxes us to death under this new name. The quality of things is not improving but EVERYTHING is costing us more and more. Please propose several fees that you are going to SLASH and how soon we can expect taxes and fees to go DOWN. Do NOT increase anything.

Absolutely NOT. We are paying an insane amount of taxes and fees as it is. Our Tax Payor Bill of Rights says the government can't raise taxes without a vote of the people and this government just changes the name to "fee" and then taxes us to death under this new name. The quality of things is not improving but EVERYTHING is costing us more and more. Please propose several fees that you are going to SLASH and how soon we can expect taxes and fees to go DOWN. Do NOT increase anything.

Absolutely NOT. We are paying an insane amount of taxes and fees as it is. Our Tax Payor Bill of Rights says the government can't raise taxes without a vote of the people and this government just changes the name to "fee" and then taxes us to death under this new name. The quality of things is not improving but EVERYTHING is costing us more and more. Please propose several fees that you are going to SLASH and how soon we can expect taxes and fees to go DOWN. Do NOT increase anything.