Wintergreen’s policy regarding unmanned aircraft is typical of most outdoor recreation areas.
“Wintergreen Resort prohibits the operation or use of unmanned aerial systems or drones by the general public–including recreational users and hobbyists–without the prior written authorization from the resort,” the resort’s website states. There are similar rules in place at Wintergreen federal neighbor, The Blue Ridge Parkway.
Both the National Park Service and the resort site have similar reasons for the ban on flying drones.
“In some cases, [the use of drones have] resulted in noise and nuisance complaints from park visitors, park visitor safety concerns, and one documented incident in which park wildlife were harassed. Small drones have crashed in geysers in Yellowstone National Park, attempted to land on the features of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, been lost over the edge of the Grand Canyon,…” the National Park Service’s website explains.
Likewise, the state does not allow drones in its parks.
The resort prohibits drones used for filming, or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating above or within 100 ft of resort boundaries. This prohibition on drone operations or use extends to any drone launched or operated from resort property, as well as drones launched from private property outside of the resort boundaries.
The resort and others do use drones and the resort does grant permission in special cases. Go HERE if you have any questions or if you seek prior authorization to operate any aerial drones around the resort.
Of course, any authorized operation of aerial drones may be governed by FAA rules and regulations, local law enforcement, as well as those policies separately established by the resort, which may include certification, training, insurance coverage indemnification requirements, and waivers or releases of liability.
“Any violation of this policy may involve suspension of your skiing or snowboarding privileges, or the revocation of your season pass, as well as confiscation of any drone equipment, and may subject violators to any damages, including, but not limited to, damages for violations of privacy and/or physical or personal injuries or property damage, as well as regulatory fines and legal fees,” the resort’s policy notes.