Australian Mountain Towns: Tourist Hostages

Alpine County Residents Feel Like Hostages in Their Own Winter Wonderland

The idyllic charm of Alpine County, a picturesque winter destination in California, is being overshadowed by a growing problem: unruly tourists, dubbed ‘snowplayers,’ who are leaving a trail of destruction and disrespect in their wake. Locals are feeling increasingly frustrated and cornered, with their once-peaceful community transformed into a chaotic playground for visitors who disregard laws and private property.

The issue escalates significantly after every snowfall, turning Alpine County into a magnet for those seeking snow-based recreation. However, these eager visitors often leave behind more than just footprints. The county is frequently littered with discarded trash, broken sleds, and even human waste, painting a grim picture of the impact on this rural community, located just south of the well-known Lake Tahoe region.

Residents have voiced their exasperation to the San Francisco Chronicle, highlighting a persistent problem that has reached a tipping point. Alpine County Supervisor Terry Woodrow articulated the community’s growing sentiment, stating during a recent meeting, “We have to do something about it.” This call to action came in the wake of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, a period that typically sees a surge in visitors and, consequently, an amplification of these issues.

The term ‘snowplayers’ has been coined by locals to describe the tourists whose behaviour is wreaking havoc. “A lot of these ‘snowplayers’ just come into the village, don’t respect our property, trespass on county and private property, leave garbage and trash,” Woodrow explained. She further elaborated that these unwelcome guests often trespass on private land and refuse to leave, creating a sense of being invaded and disrespected. The sheer volume of visitors and the ensuing chaos during holiday weekends have served as a stark reminder to officials of the persistent nature of this challenge. Woodrow expressed that the actions of these ‘snow-chasers’ are making the roughly 1,200 residents of her small county feel “held hostage.”

The Struggle for Legal and Safe Snow Play

The overcrowding at designated snow play areas is a significant contributing factor to the problem. Californians seeking legal, safe, and affordable places to enjoy the snow have limited options. The state manages only 18 official snow parks, and these quickly become overwhelmed, particularly on weekends. This scarcity drives many to seek alternative, often unofficial, locations, which can lead to dangerous situations and further strain on local resources.

Ruth Loehr, public information officer for the California Highway Patrol’s South Lake Tahoe Area, described the situation at these popular snow sites as “a lot of lawlessness.” She observed that without constant oversight, individuals are less likely to adhere to rules or behave responsibly. This lack of enforcement in unofficial areas contributes to the free-for-all that residents are forced to contend with.

The Perils of Unsanctioned Snow Play

Beyond the environmental and property damage, the lack of regulation at unofficial snow play areas poses serious safety risks. Loehr highlighted that these unmonitored locations have resulted in severe injuries and, tragically, even a fatality. Another individual suffered paralysis due to accidents on these informal slopes. This underscores the critical need for safer, managed snow play environments.

The impact of the influx of visitors extends to traffic and infrastructure. During the MLK holiday weekend, the area experienced significant traffic jams, exacerbated by visitors parking illegally along Highway 4. This not only caused inconvenience but also presented safety hazards.

A tow truck was observed removing one of the illegally parked vehicles, with another driver patiently waiting to occupy the cleared spot, as recounted by Supervisor Woodrow. This scene is a common occurrence, illustrating the disregard for parking regulations.

Proposed Solutions to Reclaim the County

To address the escalating issues, county officials are exploring a range of measures. Visitors are required to purchase a $15 Sno-Park permit, available at designated stores or online, to access official snow play areas. However, this requirement is often ignored by those venturing into unauthorized locations.

Supervisor Woodrow has repeatedly stressed the seriousness of the problem. “I say this every year, but you’ve got to take it seriously,” she urged during a Board of Supervisors meeting.

County staff believe that a multi-pronged approach is necessary to combat the unruly behaviour of visitors. Potential solutions include:

• Increased Law Enforcement Presence: More officers on the ground to enforce rules and deter illegal activities.
• Higher Parking Citation Fees: Significantly increasing the cost of parking fines to act as a stronger deterrent.
• Resident-Only Parking Permits: Implementing a system that prioritises parking for local residents.
• Metered Parking: Introducing paid parking in high-demand areas.

Furthermore, officials are considering implementing substantial fines for egregious behaviour. One supervisor suggested at a meeting that a hefty admission fee or fine, perhaps as high as $2,000, could be a powerful tool in modifying the behaviour of the ‘snowplayers.’ This strong stance reflects the community’s desire to protect their home and restore order to their winter wonderland.