Many U.S. Winter Olympians Were Created On Public National Forest Land

"116 active ski resorts operate on National Forest System land across the United States, accounting for more than 60% of the skiable terrain in the country. The resorts operate under long-term special use permits, allowing private operators to build and maintain infrastructure while keeping the land public. As such, Winter Olympians of all ages have perfected their skills on publicly owned land."

"The Forest Service land managers' partnership with resort operators allows a system that supports recreation, conservation, and high-performance sports. Operators invest in the local community and plan for the future knowing that the land will remain in public hands and will remain dedicated to recreation."

""They live in these communities, they train in these communities, and they dream of Olympic gold in these communities. It's important that we're here to support them, and the Forest Service is the backdrop to all of it." - Roger Poirier, Recreation Staff Officer in the White River National Forest."

Most U.S. skiable terrain and many Olympic training venues are located on National Forest System land. One hundred sixteen active ski resorts operate under long-term special use permits that let private operators build and maintain infrastructure while keeping the land public. That arrangement supports recreation, conservation, and elite sport by providing stable, long-term access for athletes and communities. Resort operators invest locally and plan for the future knowing the land will remain dedicated to recreation. Many U.S. skiers and snowboarders live and train year-round in mountain communities on public land, making National Forest partnerships foundational to Olympic development.

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