FAA Prepares for Blizzard of Private Colorado Ski Flights

As Colorado’s ski resorts brace for a surge of traffic during the upcoming holiday period, the Federal Aviation Administration has issued air traffic management plans for private aircraft heading into the region’s airports. While reservations and slots are not required, operators should expect air traffic control traffic management initiatives (TMIs) on days of peak demand, with airport capacity dictated by a variety of factors including weather conditions, parking availability, and operational demand.

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On such days, TMIs might include required arrival routes, miles-in-trail restrictions, ground stops, or delays and/or aerospace flow programs. Affected airports include Aspen, Eagle, Rifle, Grand Junction, Gunnison, Hayden, Montrose, and Telluride. On days of peak demand, required arrival routes will be published in ATC command center advisories.

For departures from Gunnison, Hayden, Montrose, and Rifle, on dates of anticipated peak demand—December 22 to 23, 26 to 27, and 29 to 30, as well as January 1 to 2 and 6 to 7—Denver Center will be using clearance delivery procedures via telephone lines from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. local time. When the procedures are active, a Notam (Notice To Airmen) will be published.