By Scott Condon of the Aspen Times:
Aspen Skiing Co. wants to tweak winter operations at Snowmass to broaden its appeal to skiers and snowboarders and it aims to add significant facilities to lure summer business.
Skico outlined its vision for the future in an updated Snowmass Master Development Plan. The White River National Forest formally accepted the plan this week. However, new projects that weren’t previously approved by the agency must still go through review via the National Environmental Policy Act. Projects that were approved in 1994 but haven’t been implemented in the past 21 years will “likely” go through additional environmental review, according to Aspen-Sopris District Ranger Karen Schroyer.
The town of Snowmass Village and Pitkin County also will review portions of the project.
A cornerstone of the winter improvements includes building a previously approved chairlift on Burnt Mountain and adding more terrain on the eastern flank of the ski area, which currently has a backcountry feel.
One new proposal in the plan for winter is building on-mountain huts that would have a similar feel to the popular Tenth Mountain and Braun system backcountry huts, according to the master plan.
In the summer, Skico will seek approval for an alpine coaster — a gravity-fed system that whisks riders through the forest. It also wants approval for a zip line/canopy tour, climbing wall, challenge course and more mountain-bike trails, the plan said.
WINTER PLAN
Skico’s Snowmass Master Development Plan said it wants to enhance visitor opportunities without making the ski area crowded or taking away from the natural environment.
“This (plan) seeks to proactively address future trends in winter recreation at Snowmass over the next 10 to 15 years,” the plan said. “Understanding that guest’s preferences are constantly changing, this (plan) will address those trends in proactive and creative ways.”
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