Abusive behavior at Snowparks -- us??

No, this is not about some other group, not the other guys, it's about us.

Via the grapevine, I've heard that there is a significant increase this year in confrontational, abusive, threatening behavior towards enforcement personnel who are issuing citations for parking in a State Snowpark without a permit. This in a non-motorized only parking area!

What is happening to us as a group? It was hard for me to believe that this has been going on, and when I was convinced, it's hard to understand. Skiers? Not kidding? No.

This may be happening at several areas, but the one in question has a shortage of parking. People are showing up without permits, taking spots that would otherwise be taken by those who paid the fee(s), and skiing on the groomed trails, which are also supported by these same Snowpark fees.

Naturally, those with permits would like to see parking enforcement, but in the process of issuing citations (parking tickets if you will) to those without permits, the enforcement people (unarmed) are being intimidated, even feeling threatened, with tickets being thrown in their face in one recent example.  This is not about whether or not the citation was deserved; its about behavior. There are ample means to properly dispute a citation.

I think it worth considering what might happen if this continues. E.g. diminished enforcement, more illegal use ('why buy a permit when they don't check?'), permit buyers stop buying because spots all taken, many by illegal users, etc.

For those who remember, think back to the time before state sponsored snowparks. A lot of the parking done was just plain illegal, and every time you parked off the highway you risked being towed, plowed in, or worse.

OK, I'll try to lighten up now. 

Larry

to quote the Seinfeld show,
"People."
"They're the worst."
And the snow was pretty good up there today too. Chill out folks. Get some perspective.

In thinking back to the parking in the 60's and 70's, we xc and bc skiers were mostly a very gentle group. There was room for everyone who came. I don't ever remember not finding a place to park or arguing with anyone.

I wonder now if it is inevitable as the population pressure at the downhill resorts spills the stronger ones over to the backcountry and permit parking.

In smaller communities, accountability came with the knowledge that someone you knew was watching and soon everyone would know. Peer pressure counts for a lot, so if you see abuse in action, say something or get out your ski camera with high tech movie feature.. It carries weight.

Tow 'em all and let God sort 'em out.