Snowmass Resort
Snowmass willsee major on-mountain improvements this summer. Aspen Skiing Company will replace and realign the High Alpine lift on Snowmass, install snowmaking equipment on two existing trails, and implement additional trail and glade construction projects this summer after receiving approvals from the United States Forest Service earlier in April.
The project received U.S. Forest Serviceapproval after a 45-day objection period for the draft Decision Notice. All construction activities are within Snowmass Ski Areas Forest Service administered special use permit boundary. Construction will begin this summer and the new lift and improvements will debut for the 2015-16 ski season.
With the realignment and the additional trail work and glading, our guests will have a vastly improved experience in the High Alpine pod on Snowmass, said Steve Sewell, Snowmass General Manager. The new alignment will allow guests to ski from Rock Island, AMF, and the Cirque without dropping to the lower mountain to access the High Alpine area. Additionally, skiers and riders can now easily access Upper Green Cabin without a long flat traverse… especially important for snowboarders. This will improve the upper mountain circulation. There is no change in access to the Hanging Valley and no change in the uphill lift capacity.
I am pleased to move forward with this decision, noted Scott Fitzwilliams, Forest Supervisor. The projects outlined in this analysis will greatly enhance recreational experiences at Snowmass and provide for better operations at the resort, Fitzwilliams added.
The estimated cost of this project is nearly $8.0 million. The new High speed quad has a ride time of 5.6 minutes, down from an 11 minute ride on the old chairlift.
