WSP09805 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Ofl212;J Record a/Decision catwalk is authorized in concept in order to more fully utilize terrain within the existing Special Use Permit boundary. CONDITIONS The construction of the Olympic catwalk extension will use the same techniques identified in the development of the Steeplechase Catwalk. The Forest Service will review and approve all construction design plans prior to any ground disturbing activities. Should the ASC wish to construct the additional catwalk to extend to the Special Use Permit boundary it will be necessary for the Forest Service to confirm that in fact no additional environmental impacts beyond those disclosed for the approved portion of the catwalk will occur. MERRY-Go-RoUND RESTAURANT The Aspen Skiing Company is authorized to remove and replace the existing Merry-Go-Round Restaurant. DISCUSSION The existing Merry-Go-Round Restaurant building is not consistent with the type of structure the public expects to see in a mountainous environment. In addition, the restaurant can be made more energy efficient and meet visual quality specifications of the WRNF. CONDITIONS The restaurant will occupy the same location and approximately the same footprint with the size limited to 20,000 sq.ft. The building will be constructed of native materials commensurate with the Forest Service building standards and approved color schemes, in addition to meeting the ADA standards. THUNDERBOWL LIFT The Aspen Skiing Company is authorized to remove the existing Thunderbowl and Golden Horn lifts, and install a high-speed detachable-quad lift in the alignment shown in Figure 1. DISCUSSION The alignment of the new Thunderbowl Lift is the same alignment as identified in Alternative B of the EIS. This alignment will reduce the amount of vegetation that will need to be disturbed relative to the alignment identified in Alternative C. It was also determined that the location identified in Alternative C of the EIS did not offer enough benefits for adequate race course length and initial access to the mountain. CONDITIONS The construction of this lift will institute the visual quality guidelines and keep tree removal to a minimum. SNOWMAKING The Aspen Skiing Company is authorized to develop and apply snowmaking to a total of 124 acres. This is the same amount analyzed and the same location disclosed in Alternative C of the EIS. This amount of snowmaking is an increase of 48 acres fTom the existing situation. DISCUSSION An extensive analysis was performed to determine how much snowrnaking was adequate to offer a satisfactory experience to the skiing public. Alternative C in the EIS determined the very minimum that Decision and Rationale AUlhori=ed Master Development Plan Components 11