This Aspen Skiing Co. proposal to expand into Pandora\u2019s smells a lot like manure to me.<\/p>\n
CEO Mike Kaplan and Skico claim they need this expansion because it\u2019s \u201ccritical for us to stay relevant.\u201d Huh? Relevant? Aspen is constantly regarded as a top ski resort in every skiing publication. Aspen is not in danger of becoming irrelevant. One way we could stay relevant would be to concentrate on bringing back World Cup skiing to our world-class town, something that would actually benefit more businesses than just Skico. Skico claims skiers are seeking \u201cfaster service\u201d and \u201cimproved circulation\u201d on Ajax. Improvements to the Gents Ridge lift (the Couch) and Lift 1A would do wonders for those concerns. Sure, Skico loves the environment, but how is it the best idea to destroy a natural habitat and expand an uncrowded ski area? This is unnecessary. Commissioner Greg Poschman has it right: Skico could save millions, stay relevant and increase safety by expanding the resort without a lift and allow our world-class patrol to monitor the area. But Kaplan wants lift lines back there to justify the expense. This is a land grab. They already control 1,500 acres on the backside (Wine Tree, Little Annie\u2019s, McFarlane\u2019s) for their posh private Powder Tours. Skico wants locals to just trust them. I see the 45-minute lift lines last season on Deep Temerity and wonder. Skico\u2019s goal is to \u201cstay in business forever,\u201d Kaplan said it himself. It\u2019s a business move.<\/p>\n
Zach Cyrus<\/p>\n
Aspen<\/p>\n