SAM Magazine-Boulder, Colo., July 14, 2008-U.S. Rep Mark Udall has developed a draft bill to update the federal 1986 Ski Area Permit Act. The bill would expand the act to recognize winter sports beyond alpine and nordic skiing and include summer recreational activities such as mountain biking and concerts.

"My bill would make it clear that activities like mountain biking, concerts and other appropriate uses can be allowed at these ski areas," Udall said in a statement. The proposed changes would encourage "skiing and snowsports" and allow for year-round "natural-resource based" outdoor recreation. The bill is currently open for public comment.

While some environmental groups contend that the wording in Udall's bill is too broad, Geraldine Link of the National Ski Area Association says that changes are needed. "The act no longer reflects what is going on at resorts," Link told the Denver Post. \