ASPEN/SNOWMASS / USA: ON-MOUNTAIN IMPROVEMENTS AND ADDITIONS

Aspen Skiing Company invested $10 million in major capital improvements for the 2004/2005 season at Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk.

Buttermilk
New High-Speed Quad Chair for West Buttermilk - Continuing Aspen/Snowmass’ commitment to family skiing and riding, a new high speed quad chair will replace the existing West Buttermilk chair (the second oldest lift on the four ski areas). The new lift will have a mid-way load station, allowing beginners and young children to do laps on the gentle trails of West Buttermilk. The new lift will have a vertical rise of 1,189 ft., with a ride time of six minutes (four minute ride time from the mid-way load station) to the top. The new chair cuts the ride time in half, as the existing fixed grip chair (installed in 1965) has a ride time of 12 minutes.
Ride What the Pros Ride - This year the features from the ESPN Winter X Games VIIII will remain in tact in the Crazy T’rain Park at Buttermilk for the duration of the season!

Aspen Mountain
Replacement of F.I.S Chair (Lift 6) - This summer the F.I.S. lift on Aspen Mountain, the oldest chairlift at Aspen/Snowmass’ four ski areas (installed in 1958), will be replaced with a new double chair. The new lift will follow the same lift line as the existing F.I.S. chair - with a vertical rise of 591 vertical feet. Significant improvements include smaller lift terminals at both the top and bottom, opening up more terrain at Spar Gulch, Ruthie’s and International trails. The F.I.S. lift has a rich history and holds great affection by the Aspen community.