2010/11 On-Mountain Improvements

With just five weeks left until opening day for the 2010/2011 ski season, The Aspen Skiing Co. has announced this year’s on-mountain improvements and policy changes that we all can look forward to. For starters, Skico has announced a policy change allowing for “sunset” skiing which will go into effect starting on March 18th. With this new policy Skico will keep one of their four mountains open until 6 pm every Friday from the 18th of March until the end of the season. For those interested in learning half pipe, Skico is going to offer a less intimidating option than the already available 22-foot super pipe located at Buttermilk, or the 18-foot pipe at Snowmass by building a more accessible 12-foot pipe at Snowmass. Snowmass will also be the beneficiary of Skico’s newest toy, the $450,000 “Beast” which is a groomer that covers twice as much area as a traditional groomer. This will help Skico work towards its goal of reducing its carbon footprint while keeping their amazing grooming capabilities intact. The popular Ullrhof restaurant located at the Big Burn area of Snowmass has undergone both a culinary and structural remodel, which will provide customers with a more efficient and delicious on-mountain dining experience. According to the Aspen Times “the menu will feature gourmet hamburgers, hand-cut French fries, and milkshakes,” in addition to other items. The layout has been improved so as to increase the efficiency of the dining experience. The Snowmass Village arrival center will be completed despite the stalled base village development. With the new arrival center, bus passengers will be able to access the ski lift area via an escalator. Those parking in the new parking garage will be able access the lift via an escalator as well. At Highlands ski area, Skico will now offer ambassador guided hikes into Highlands Bowl in order to facilitate guests that might otherwise be intimidated by such an adventure. These tours will take place every Wednesday at 11 a.m. depending on weather conditions. Last but not least, Skico will offer lift serviced skiing at Aspen Highlands until April 23rd, which is a whopping three weeks longer than usual. This makes the 2010/2011 ski season one of the longest seasons ever!