The U.S. Forest Service has accepted Aspen Skiing Company’s long-term vision for Aspen Mountain. This means some changes could be imminent.
The conceptual plan outlines future developments and improvements that SkiCo would like to make. SkiCo officials say the two priorities are extending snowmaking to the top of the mountain and adding acreage by expanding terrain into the Pandora’s area.
SkiCo will still need to go through environmental analysis from the Forest Service and permitting from Pitkin County to get approval of each individual project.
The plan lays out a long-term wishlist for Aspen Mountain.SkiCo is also looking at replacing or removing Gent’s Ridge and Bell Mountain chairlifts, upgrading cell towers and renovating Ruthie’s Restaurant, the patrol facility and the gondola terminal. Possible projects for summer visitors include new hiking and mountain biking trails.
The last master plan for Aspen Mountain was completed in 1997. Some portions of that plan that have not yet been completed — like replacing lift 1A — will carry over.