Ski Hill Resources for Economic Development Act

This bill lets the U.S. Forest Service keep most of the fees it collects from ski areas on national forest land and spend them on local needs. The money would be set aside in a special account for up to four years. Most funds collected at a specific forest would stay there to help manage ski area permits, improve visitor services, support safety and search-and-rescue, expand parking, share avalanche information, and prepare for wildfires near recreation sites. It cannot be used to fight active wildfires or to buy new land. Some money can also be used anywhere in the National Forest System for similar recreation and safety needs. If a forest has more money than it reasonably needs that year, a larger share can be sent to other forests that do need it .

The change would start 60 days after the bill becomes law .

• Who benefits: Visitors, local communities, and ski areas on national forest land, through better services, safer access, and faster permit processing .
• How the money is split: Generally, 80% stays at the forest where it was collected (with most of that for permit administration and visitor services) and 20% can be used anywhere in the National Forest System for similar needs. The local share can be reduced to no less than 60% if a forest has more than it needs that year .