Alternative Solutions to Big Jay Closure
While debate develops in the backcountry skiing and riding community regarding long term solutions to tree skiing and organization, Big Jay access from Jay Peak is restricted indefinitely. The backcountry skiing and riding community has yet to seriously address the problem other than a local petition and the Big Jay Access Restriction meeting question and answer session . The State of Vermont, the Green Mountain Club, and Jay Peak Resort all agreed to utilize the easiest and quickest short term solution to address the problem of people sliding down the scar and exacerbating the damage. However, there are several alternatives to the closure that could be implemented to address reducing sliding on the scar to near zero.
My suggested alternative solutions should be placed in context of the current situation as dictated to the backcountry skiing and riding community by the decision makers. The fundamental issue is protecting the scar to best allow successful regeneration with the least amount of damage to the environment and the erosion control measures. All solutions should be proposed and thoroughly evaluated with this goal in mind. No single effort will ultimately prove successful including, ironically, a complete restriction of access from Jay Peak Resort.
The community that attended the Big Jay meeting on December 15th was offered no opportunity for partnership, engagement, or participation in the process. The director of Jay Peak Ski Patrol noted that the decision makers were essentially “treating the community like babies.” Without a positive outlet for contribution to making the situation better through collaboration, it seems likely that many members of the community will reject the access restriction this season (proposed without an expected expiration date, essentially an indefinite restriction).