Helicopter skiing in canyons OK'd

A Snowbird-based firm can continue to ferry backcountry skiers into the Cottonwood canyons on helicopters, a federal judge has ruled.

U.S. District Judge Ted Stewart rejected a challenge on Monday by environmental group Save Our Canyons over a five-year operating permit that was issued for Wasatch Powderbird Guides in 2004. The group does not see helicopter skiing as an acceptable use of Utah's Big and Little Cottonwood canyons.

Save Our Canyons argued the U.S. Forest Service acted in an "arbitrary and capricious" manner when it renewed the helicopter skiing permit, which the company has held for three decades.

The group's lawsuit contended the federal agency did not take a hard look at data analyzing how many skiers and snowshoers use the canyons' backcountry areas.

The group, dedicated to preserving the Wasatch Range, also claimed the Forest Service improperly considered the profitability of Wasatch Powderbird when the permit was up for review.

But Stewart rejected the group's arguments, ruling the Forest Service complied with federal environmental laws.

"The Forest Service took the 'hard look' required, solicited comments and considered a reasonable range of alternatives," he wrote.

"We felt like our analysis was pretty thorough and comprehensive," said Loren Kroenke, Salt Lake District ranger for the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. "We were hopeful going into this, but sometimes you can be surprised."

Save Our Canyons board member David Witherspoon said he was disappointed. He said he was unsure if an appeal would be filed.