Aspen – The Aspen Skiing Co. said it will trim its plans for summer activities in Snowmass in hopes of protecting elk.
The company has approval to build a new gondola at the bottom of the Snowmass resort to the bottom of the Elk Camp chairlift. The gondola and a new restaurant are expected to bring more visitors to that part of the mountain during the summer offseason.
State wildlife officials and local environmental groups said they worried the development would affect elk habitat. The company had planned to build four trails for hikers and bikers, but now will build only one, away from the Burnt Mountain area in question.
“Very friendly and reasonable discussions led to this,” said Sloan Shoemaker, executive director of the Wilderness Workshop.
“Skico, much to their credit, realized the depth of the opposition to this project as it was proposed, and adjusted accordingly.”
