Work on the expansion of Aspen Mountain in Colorado is on course for completion in time for the start of the 2023-24 season, according to an Aspen Times report from the famous ski town. It's the first big terrain expansion for Aspen's home mountain, one of four that make up the resort's full ski area, for nearly 40 years.
The new terrain, "new" at least in terms of it being cleared and lift-accessed having previously been accessed by back country ski tourers, is called Pandora's. Creating it involves installing a new lift and logging about 106 acres of both national forest and private lands.
Removing over 4,000 tonnes of living trees for skiers by a resort which makes much of its green ambitions is proving controversial with opponents to the expansion on environmental grounds essentially accusing the Aspen Skiing Company of hypocrisy. The Ski Company says the terrain is needed as climate change makes snow cover at lower elevations less certain.
The project will add 153 acres to the ski area, making it about 20% bigger. It's located on the upper east side of Aspen Mountain, leaving both gladed areas and traditional ski runs. It will open this coming winter "as soon as the snow allows" according to the resort.