SAM Magazine - Eagle, Colo., September 2, 2008 - Eagle County Commissioner Peter Runyon is promoting a provision in Colorado State Law that would allow counties to assess a "use tax" on lift tickets.

Runyon told the "Vail Daily" that he envisions a statewide tax on lift tickets, which currently are exempt from taxation. "Exempting the ski industry from sales tax was put forward in the '60s when the ski industry was very small and the state Legislature wanted to encourage and promote it," Runyon told the "Vail Daily." "I would argue that the ski industry is very much on its feet and has probably grown a few extra feet."

Runyon would like to see revenues from such a tax earmarked to worker housing, transportation and forest enhancement. A particular need, according to Runyon, is the Interstate 70 corridor, which accesses some of Colorado's largest ski areas including Breckenridge, Vail and Winter Park.

If Runyon is successful in placing his measure on the ballot, Colorado's voters would have to approve a new tax.

Should such a measure be successful, it would be similar to the town of Vail's 4 percent ski area admissions tax. Assessed on the price of price of lift tickets and passes, the tax raised $3 million for the town of Vail in 2007.

\