Aspen has hired a consultant to study ways to improve the "uphill economy."
The work will cost $75,000 and is scheduled to be completed by June of next year.
Frisco-based SE Group will create goals and policies for uphill recreation in, and around, Aspen. The firm will study existing uphill infrastructure for skiing, back-country touring, hiking and mountain biking. This includes a survey of land-management plans and policies, as well a map of existing assets.
The city wants to know how uphill fitness festivals and races can boost the economy. They also hope to create incentives for outdoor companies to relocate to Aspen. City council has stressed the importance of developing a year-round, sustainable uphill economy separate from the “boom and bust” cycles associated with skiing.
This idea has been in progress for four years; Mayor Steve Skadron has been in talks with companies like Dynafit and SCARPA to make uphill recreation a bigger and more sustainable part of Aspen’s economy.
The city received a state grant of $25,000 to help pay the consultant.
