Preliminary Project Proposal – Emerald Directional #2

The trail use on Emerald Mountain has increased drastically in the last couple of years and will continue to increase as Steamboat’s population and visitor numbers grow. Busy trails bring safety and maintenance concerns. The directionality of NPR trail has done a number of positive things for Emerald, including concentrating the descending riders, which helps make the trails safer by reducing conflicts. NPR, however, needs a higher level of maintenance and grooming than other trails to keep riders safe. In 2021, it underwent a massive renovation which brought it back to a safer riding level and will help reduce, but not eliminate, future maintenance needs. NPR will need heavier maintenance every couple of years, or it could deteriorate once again to a somewhat unsafe trail.