Aspen, Colorado – Gent’s Ridge time at Ajax has concluded.
Aspen Public Radio reports that Aspen SkiCo plans to remove the Gent’s Ridge chairlift this fall. First opened back in 1986, guests referred to it as “The Couch” due to its comfy seating. The closure was due to the decline of skier ridership, streamlining operations, and the addition of the Hero’s chairlift. Ultimately, the opening of the Hero’s chairlift and terrain last winter made Gent’s Ridge a redundant lift for Ajax. This removal is subject to US Forest Service approval, which seems likely.
In addition, Aspen Mountain announced that they’re undergoing snowmaking improvements. They’re adding snowmaking in the Copper Bowl area, giving guests an alternative route from the Spar Gulch run during the early season.
Travis Benson, who’s the Mountain Manager at Ajax, described the importance of the snowmaking improvements in their press release:
“With improved snowmaking in Copper Bowl and the surrounding terrain, we are working towards having two routes from top-to-bottom in early season for years where we don’t have as much natural snow in November.”
However, this doesn’t mean Gent’s Ridge will be demolished. Aspen Mountain announced its new home will be at Maverick Mountain in Montana. They announced in the press release that they have sold Gent’s Ridge to the Montana ski area.
Geoff Buchheister, who’s the CEO of Aspen SkiCo, said the following about its new home:
“Gent’s has served us well for decades, and I’m glad that it will get a second life at Maverick Mountain. I know firsthand how important these community-based resorts are to creating passionate lifelong enthusiasts for the sport, and it’s exciting to see that what no longer works for us can benefit another ski area.”
Most of Maverick’s terrain is serviced by a Riblet double chairlift with a mid-station. The Gent’s Ridge chairlift will give them more reliable lift operations and a comfy ride to the summit.
“It’s special to see the passion and heart that Aspen has for the ski industry in supporting a local hill and the future of the sport,” said Erik Borge, owner and operator of Maverick Mountain. “We look forward to putting the ‘Couch’ back to work at our mountain; seeing it bring smiles to our local community’s youth will create new skiers for the foreseeable future. Shred on!”
Image Credits: Maverick Mountain, Matt Power, Aspen Snowmass
