The Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation wants bicyclists who take advantage of the trail systems at the ski area to be aware that construction projects, as well as helicopter operations, could result in detours and delays in some areas.

Maren Franciosi, senior communications manager at Steamboat Resort, advised visitors headed for Steamboat Resort to “keep your eye on the website and app for the most up-to-date information, because as soon as something is delayed or closed, it will be on the app and the website.”

“Obviously, the last few years have been very project-heavy with the Full Steam Ahead projects that were coming online and being completed,” Franciosi said. “This summer, just like every other summer, we have some (more regular) maintenance projects that we are completing.”

Projects taking place this week include a trail maintenance project completed by Routt County Riders on Saturday, as well as continuing work on Sunshine Road that will result in detours on Pete’s Wicked Trail through Friday.

Riders using the Creekside and Pioneer trails may also see detours after replacement of the Creekside Bridge began Monday. Franciosi said the detours will divert riders around the bridge replacement work area until that project is completed.

Those visiting the mountain this week may also see some impacts in the Pioneer Ridge area as crews do prep work for the arrival of a helicopter that will remove dead trees from the remote section starting Monday, July 28.

“There is some prep work happening this week for the helicopter coming in next week,” Franciosi said. “There will be some logging taking place in the Pioneer Trail area that could result in some periodic holds. I wouldn’t call it a closure, but kind of some periodic delays.”

Franciosi said those holds will help ensure the safety of those using the area as crews prepare for the helicopter’s arrival on Monday. Helicopter operations are anticipated to run until Aug. 5.

“They’ll be picking the trees up from those remote areas and the carrying them to a holding area, which I believe is on Vagabond,” Franciosi said. “Once the trees are there, they will process them before they are loaded onto trucks and then hauled out.”

She added that this type of helicopter work can be hazardous, and because conditions must be ideal when it comes to flying, there are often delays in the schedule, with last-minute changes to plans being common.

Franciosi said safety is always the highest priority and Steamboat Resort will post weekly updates on its social media pages and through Steamboat.com/blog.

“As always, things can change when it comes to weather and helicopters. We’ve had helicopters called out to other things in the past, so we have regular announcements scheduled for that time period, and we will be providing weekly updates,” Franciosi said.