Glenwood Springs – The top official at the White River National Forest on Friday reinstated the approval of a new lift at the Breckenridge ski area after initially revoking the decision by a district ranger.
Forest Supervisor Maribeth Gustafson approved construction of the Peak 8 summit lift after reviewing arguments for and against what would be the highest lift in North America, along with the earlier approval by district ranger Rick Newton that she had withdrawn for lack of her oversight.
While technically not a terrain expansion, the lift proposal had generated criticism by hard-core skiers who wanted to reserve the high-alpine terrain for those willing to hike to it.
“Although many believe that the skiing terrain available on Peak 8 and Peak 7 should be reserved for those hearty enough to ‘earn their turns,’ I believe that our public lands must be managed and made available for all members of the public to enjoy without a tone of exclusivity,” Gustafson said in a press release.
