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The Tiehack gondola proposed in Alternative E and F would be visible from all project viewpoints except Maroon Valley. Vegetation clearing to accommodate the gondola would be most visible from the Aspen/Hunter Creek trailhead and Highway 82/McLain Flat viewpoints. Visual impacts associated with a gondola summit 'restaurant also vary by alternative. In Alternatives Band H, the restaurant is situated at Sam's Knob or Sheer Bliss which is largely screened from easterly viewpoints by Burnt Mountai~. In Alternatives E and G, it is located at the summit of Burnt Mountain, increasing potential impacts from all viewpoints except Maroon Valley. In Alternative F, there would be no restaurant on the Burnt Mountain summit, reducing the possibility of new facilities being visible on the Burnt Mountain skyline. Comparing vegetation clearing by Visual Quality Objectives (VQOs) indicates that, in terms of magnitUde of impact, Alternative E would have the greatest level of effect on Retention designated acreage followed by Alternatives G, F, H, and B, respectively. Adverse visual' effects would also vary from viewpoint to Viewpoint. An overall comparison of the relative potential of visual impacts in each alternative on the six viewpoints analyzed is provided in Table S-11. New components would require spec::ific design and mitigation measures to meet established VQOs. ' Table S-I1: Summary Comparison of Visual Impacts by Analysis Viewpoint and by Alternative ALTERNATIVE :t\I18lvsis ViOWDoint .A. .!. .!. L ..Q.. ll. 1) SH 82/ Aspen Airport none none-low high mod-high mod low 2) Rodeo LotIHorse Ranch none low high mod mod mod 3) Aspen/Smuggler none none mod mod mod low 4) Maroon Valley none none low-mod none low-mod none '5) Willow Lake none none mod low mod low 6) Aspen Mountain none none-low mod-high mod mod low D. wn..DERNESS 1. Affected Environment As a result of proximity to the Aspen-SnoWffiass area, the MB-SW receives some of, the highest wilderness use in the country. Levels of use of developed recreation facilities regularly meet or exceed capacity. Currently, direct access to the MB-SW from the Snowmass Ski Area is extremely limited. The saddle area located between the Elk Camp summit and the Hanging Wall area is the only viable location whereby potential wilderness access might be gained. The Snowmass Creek and East SnoWffiass trailheads are the nearest dev~loped access points. 2. Environmental Consequences All action alternatives would increase summer visitation to the permit area, with proposed summer recreation activities at the Elk Camp or Burnt Mountain summits (Alternatives E-G) concentrating large numbers of visitors in close proximity to Summary . 22