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Star off limits

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A snowmobile collided with a large steel tube used to anchor a winch cat last weekend on Silver Star Mountain

The fresh powder may be tempting, but hitting the slopes could put you at risk.

Silver Star Mountain Resort is urging snowmobilers and skiers not to venture on to the terrain because the resort is closed and maintenance is underway.

“There are low-slung cables and lots of marked and unmarked hazards,” said Brad Baker, operations manager.

“We are closed for risk management purposes. We encounter this issue every year after closure because snowmobilers and skiers want to enjoy the snow.”

Last weekend, a snowmobiler was riding near the top of the Gypsy Queen run and he collided with a large steel tube that is used to anchor a winch cat.

“Luckily he was not hurt, but his sled is totalled,” said Baker.

“We have reported the incident to the RCMP and they are investigating.”

Besides snowmobilers and skiers, there is a concern that trespassing could lead to maintenance staff being injured.

“Our staff are not expecting to meet a recreational snowmobiler who’s not sure of the routes and is not radio-controlled,” said Baker.

The resort posts signs and fences the ski area, and enforces the rules with on-duty security and operations staff patrols.

“We try to make the closure known as every known point of entry and we get the word out to the snowmobile club. But not everyone is a member of the club,” said Baker.

“We also try to educate people as they come into the village.”

 

Silver Star launches its summer operations June 23.