BRECKENRIDGE - You can tell from the white capped roof tops and piles of powder that cover 10 foot high signs that's it's been snowing in Colorado.

Kristen Stewart with the Breckenridge Ski Resort says this month has been good for skiers.

"February has been a great month for snow. In fact, here at Breck we have had over a foot of snow in the last 7 days," Stewart said.

Its great timing for big spring break crowds hitting open terrain but big snow also attracts skiers and snowboarders looking to duck ropes.

"The temptation to duck ropes right now could be very high," Stewart said.

They are often in search of power stashes in closed terrain. It's something that, given the weak snowpack and high avalanche danger, isn't just dangerous but is against ski area rules and Summit County Undersheriff Derek Woodman says against the law.

"The biggest reason is safety," Woodman said.

The Summit County Sheriff's Department has already issued a summons for one skier who ducked a rope, triggered an avalanche and needed to be rescued. Others who get caught will also face fines as steep as a black diamond run.

"It's a $1,000 fine and that was modified several years ago," Woodman said.

On top of that, ski areas can take your pass. It's something that would come at a bad time given that snow is finally falling, which also makes it harder to sneak under those ropes.

"We are on the lookout, and it's pretty easy to tell if people duck a rope because you can see the ski tracks as well," Stewart said.

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