An unusual incident occurred at Keystone Resort on Monday, January 6, 2024, when skiers encountered an abandoned Audi sports car on the Schoolmarm trail. The vehicle had been left there after its driver followed misleading GPS directions to a housing complex and became stuck in deep snow. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the driver left a note with contact information for authorities. Resort officials promptly addressed the situation by roping off the area during operating hours and safely removing the vehicle once the resort closed.

Unexpected Arrival of an Unwanted Visitor

The story began the previous night when a driver from Boulder relied on a navigation app to reach the Sagebrush employee housing complex. Unfortunately, the app led them astray, directing the vehicle onto the ski area property. As the driver proceeded along the route, they encountered increasingly difficult terrain, eventually becoming immobilized in deep snow. Realizing the predicament, the driver made the decision to abandon the vehicle and leave a note with their contact details for the authorities.

Upon discovering the abandoned car, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office took immediate action. Sgt. Mike Schilling explained that while the vehicle was indeed on permitted ski area property, no citations were issued due to the driver's proactive communication. This approach ensured that the situation was handled efficiently without unnecessary legal complications. The presence of the car posed a unique challenge for skiers who had to navigate around it on the trail. However, the resort staff swiftly responded by cordoning off the area to ensure safety.

Prompt Resolution and Safety Measures

Keystone Resort management acted quickly to mitigate any potential risks posed by the abandoned vehicle. Communications manager Max Winter reported that the car was carefully cordoned off throughout the day to prevent accidents. Once the resort closed, the vehicle was safely removed without causing any damage. The swift actions taken by both the sheriff’s office and resort staff ensured that the situation was resolved efficiently and without incident.

The event highlights the importance of reliable navigation tools and the need for drivers to verify directions, especially in areas with challenging terrain. It also underscores the collaborative efforts between local authorities and resort management in addressing unexpected situations. While the incident was unusual, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor activities and the importance of preparedness. In this case, effective communication and prompt action prevented what could have been a more serious issue.