Wildcat ski area / hiker access fee?

[Damselfly]

I believe I read that Wildcat was charging hikers $10 to access their trails this winter.

Are they still charging this fee during the summer? (Would be descending off the ridge.)

thanks in advance,
Beth

 

[peakbagger]

No fee unless they are operating the ski area. Do note, that the access to the summit via the ski trials was still closed due to demolition work per a recent post. I would suggest calling them, although expect the demo work is done.

 

[MichaelJ]

The Forest Supervisor order closed the trails until June 21.

 

[Driver8]

The Forest Supervisor order closed the trails until June 21.

But it was not all trails, as I recall. Looked like it was possible to get up and down to the ridgeline via some ski trails.

 

[bikehikeskifish]

The exact trails closed are detailed here:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5419445.pdf

Maybe Lift Lion isn't closed (not listed, but Black Cat is, and Lift Lion looks like a continuation) but the other trails which converge on the summit are, so do not be surprised if you cannot get to the top - the "summit" building is the demolition site and they do not want people there for safety reasons. Obviously, however, the AT is not closed and runs right behind the demolition site.

Tim

 

[peakbagger]

Most of the upper ski trails other than the polecat which contains the access road are very steep and many are densely grown in with berry bushes and undergrowth. They are not good options for heading down. If its a matter of an emergency and after hours, the Polecat is something that can be followed quite easily.

Sound like its a non issue after the 21st