Aspen Mountain’s Pandora expansion gets first approval from Pitkin County commissioners

This image from Aspen Skiing Co.’s application to the U.S. Forest Service shows the proposed Pandora chairlift in red. The proposed tree skiing south of the lift is shaded in green.
Courtesy image

Aspen Skiing Company’s plans to expand into the Pandora area on Aspen Mountain will move forward after a split vote Wednesday by Pitkin County commissioners.

The 2-1 vote – Commissioner Steve Child was against it and two other commissioners did not vote – means the 167 acres Skico wants to redevelop on the backside of Aspen Mountain known as Pandora will move to a public hearing July 24 and a final vote by the board.

Commissioner Patti Clapper recused herself from the Pandora discussions; while Commissioner Kelly McNicholas-Kury gave birth Tuesday.

The Pandora area encompasses acreage that faces Independence Pass and will include 79 acres of traditional ski trails and 101 acres of tree skiing. Skico plans to spend about $9 million to build a detachable quad lift in the area.  

via:: The Aspen Times