SUMMIT COUNTY — You may spend dozens, hundreds or even thousands of hours at Summit County's ski areas each winter. But for all the time you're there, soaking up the sun, carving groomers or plundering powder, how much do you really know about these places?

Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD) has partnered with local ski areas to provide free, on-mountain educational tours that help skiers and riders get up-close and personal with the White River National Forest — the public land that is home to the county's winter playgrounds.

Trained volunteer rangers lead guests around the mountain, illuminating them on the intriguing natural and cultural history of Summit County and the National Forest.

“This is a great opportunity for us to educate the largest recreation group in the White River National Forest — skiers and snowboarders,” said Scott Fussell, FDRD executive director. “A lot of people don't even realize they're on public lands.”

This season, rangers have discussed wildlife, tree species, fire, pine beetles and other aspects of forest ecology with more than 100 guests. The tours, which take place every Friday morning at Copper, Keystone and Breckenridge, typically last about 45 minutes and consist of a half-dozen points of interest. Each ski area has two dedicated FDRD volunteer rangers.

Washington, D.C., resident Sunny Stewart joined the Breckenridge tour Friday.

“We've lived in a lot of different places, and I'm always interested in the environmental concerns in each area,” Stewart said. “I'm also a gardener, and I like to learn about what grows in different zones, so this was exactly the kind of thing I like to hear about.”

Stewart's guide was volunteer ranger Jessica Ashton, who lives in Alma. Ashton has been working with the organization for almost a year, and has received both classroom and field training to conduct the tours.

“I love the interaction with people,” Ashton said. “They really want to further their knowledge of the area and spend time outdoors. It's a very positive, fun experience.”

Vail Resorts, which owns Keystone and Breckenridge, provides funding for Ski with a Ranger through Vail Resorts Echo, the company's social responsibility and environmental stewardship program. Echo contributions helped pay for ranger training, uniforms and the infrastructure for the tours.

“FDRD is a vital part of our Summit County community, through their work to restore and protect our local ecosystems,” Vail Echo spokesperson Nicky DeFord said. “We share a lot of the same values and goals, and we're excited to work with them through the Ski with a Ranger program.”

Julie Sutor can be reached at (970) 668-4630 or jsutor@summitdaily.com.

Did you know? — Aspen trees contain acetylsalicylic acid, a compound related to aspirin. Deer in labor will chew on the trees to reduce pain. — The entire town of Dillon, including the cemetery, had to move when the Dillon Dam was built to form Dillon Reservoir. — Breckenridge Ski Resort is closing off some tree islands to skiers and riders to promote growth of young trees. — Lodgepole pine needles are very acidic. Fallen needles therefore make a poor base for growth on the forest floor.