Aspen Mountains’ long-anticipated expansion is finally happening. The Aspen Times reports the Pitkin County Commissioners voted 3-1 to approve the Aspen Mountain Pandoras expansion. This comes after years of debate between Aspen Skiing Company and the Pitkin County, and an initial no vote from the Committee in 2019. It initially looked like the County was going to vote down the plans again, but thanks to negotiations, along with the threat to build real estate at the top of the mountain, the company was able to persuade one of the swing votes. Francie Jacober, who voted against the plan in the 2019 campaign, is in favor of Pandoras this time around for three reasons: Aspen Skiing Company is promising to not add real estate development in Pandoras along within two parcels the Richmond Ridge with the approval of these plans, their record of environmental stewardship, and there is overwhelming support among the community for the expansion, which was displayed during the public comment period.
This new expansion will add one hundred and fifty-three skiable acres to the mountain impressive six hundred seventy-five acre network of terrain. The twelve hundred-foot vertical drop terrain pod will feature a mix of glades of groomers that are serviced by a high-speed quad chairlift. The expansion will include extensions of Walsh’s, Kristi’s, and Hyrup. Aspen Snowmass confirmed in the social media post below that the project will take three years to complete, although they did not confirm when they would begin the initial work on the development. This expansion will give people yet another reason to visit the iconic mountain town.
Image Credits: Aspen Snowmass, Aspen Times
