When Did Aspen Ski Resort Open?

Aspen Ski Resort, located in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, is one of the most popular winter destinations in North America. This ski resort has been around since 1946, when it was originally opened as a small ski area with just two chairlifts and a few trails. Since then, Aspen has grown to become one of the most renowned ski resorts in the world, with four distinct mountains offering over 5,000 acres of terrain for skiing and snowboarding.

The original founders of Aspen Ski Resort were a group of local businessmen who wanted to bring skiing to their community. In 1946 they leased 1,000 acres on what is now known as Aspen Mountain from the U.S. Forest Service and began building the ski resort. The first lifts were installed in 1947 and opened to the public on December 14th of that year.

Since then, Aspen has undergone numerous expansions over the years that have included new lifts, trails and terrain parks being added each season. The mountain was also part of an ambitious project in 2001 called “Aspen Evolution” which saw six new chairlifts installed along with a host of other improvements such as snowmaking capabilities and expanded base area facilities.

Today, Aspen Ski Resort is home to four mountains – Ajax Mountain (formerly known as Aspen Mountain), Buttermilk Mountain (known for its beginner terrain), Snowmass (the largest mountain) and Highlands (known for its advanced terrain). Together these mountains offer a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders from beginner to expert levels.

Conclusion:

Aspen Ski Resort has been around since 1946 when it was originally opened as a small ski area with just two chairlifts and a few trails. Over time it has grown into one of the most renowned ski resorts in the world with four distinct mountains offering over 5,000 acres of terrain for skiing and snowboarding.

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Alex Wright