This July, Breckenridge proposed a tax law that, unlike others, made good sense to those paying it. Breckenridge hosts one of the most popular and accessible ski slopes in Colorado, and with that comes inevitable parking problems. This year the Town Council came up with a solution to that problem. While costly, it would have a positive impact on the town and those who flock to it for fresh powder.

It was decided that skier tax dollars were the key to getting Breck the parking it so desperately needs. Proposed by the town, a whopping tax of 4.5% on lift tickets came with the promise of a new and quickly erected parking structure in the heart of Breckenridge. Taxpayers cannot always see and directly benefit from their contributions, but this arrangement was shaping up to be a win-win. Budgets were created and proposals for construction were shared with the towns residents and resort management companies. Though there was back and forth on the numbers and location, an agreement was locked in and polls proved favorable for the plans.

On August 25th voters approved the tax hike. However, almost as quickly as the vote was in, Breck’s Town Council skunked its skiers. Breckenridge representatives backed out of the promised parking and decided to pocket tax payer dollars anyway. The Town cited a greater need for more parking meters and a town Trolly among the the things to beat out increased parking, along with the “right to change their mind.”  Unfortunately, skiers visiting the slopes at Breck this season will not have the right to change their minds about paying the tax.

Vail Resorts confronted the Town with negotiations and implored them to move forward with parking infrastructure. However, they have not been successful in their attempts. Vail Resorts did maintain a thin silver lining by ensuring that season pass holders need not worry. The tax will only hit those purchasing lift tickets and using ski with a friend or buddy passes from a pass holder. Even with those season pass holders excluded, the town stands to collect around 3.5 million dollars in the winter months of operation alone, turning the Breckenridge Town Council into the Breckenridge Bandits.