WSP06750 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Aspe. Highlands Sl:i Area - Drojl E..iro1ll7leIlloJ Impact Stal....", Patrol Headquarters The relocation of the PHQ to the Loge Peak area would improve the ski pall'ol's capability to reach existing and new terrain serviced by the existing and proposed new lift alignments. This would allow sid pall'ol members to respond more rapidly to emergency situations that might occur in any part of the ski area. The relocation would also provide the opportunity to upgrade the facility and would enhance skier distribution at the top of the Cloud Nme lift. The footprint of the new PHQ building would be approximately 1,500 square feet and its design would be in concordance with the surrounding landscape. OBJECTIVE 4: PROVIDE MORE CONSISTENT EARLY SEASON SNOW CONDmONS Snowmaklng The expanded snowmaking capacity would provide better and more consistent siding conditions, particularly during the early ski season when the start of skiing is often delayed due to poor snow cover on major access and egress routes. Additional snowmaking would respond to customer demand for high quality siding conditions. Snowmaldng also enhances safety under cenain conditions and allows terrain construction methods that reduce the need for extensive grading or terrain manipulation. NEED FOR PROPOSED ACTION The need for the proposed project is substantiated in the Forest Plan (USDA-FS 1984a), Rocky Mountain Regional Guide (USDA-FS 1992a), and the SUP for Aspen Highlands. The proposed project, or an acceptable alternative, is needed to ensure that Aspen Highlands continues to provide high-quality siding experiences that respond to preferences of recreationists using NFS land. The Forest Service has long recognized the need to periodically address upgrading and improving facilities at the winter recreation sites operated under special use permits in order to better serve the public. This proposal is the subject of this type of need. The Forest Service concurs with the concepts outlined in the ASC's proposal to the Forest Service (ASC 199580 pp 7-8). The concepts, as drafted by the ASC, are as follows: "The proposed improvements are needed to upgrade the quality of existing sid conditions at Aspen Highlands, meet the evolving expectations and preferences of skiers using the area, and provide better distribution and separation of skiers at the area. The improvements will significantly improve the =tional experience within the existing permit boundary... Market research and surveys indicate that Aspen Highlands' guests and local residents want more advanced and expert terrain. both gIaded and open. Many of the visitors to Aspen Highlands are advanced or expen siders and this segment of the market desires additional opportunities for gladed lI'ee skiing and open bowl skiing. Aspen Highlands' siders also want convenient lift service, low sider densities, and consistent snow conditions. These improvements are also needed to restore Aspen Highlands' competitive position and niche within the ski industry. During the past decade, Aspen Highlands share of the Colorado sider market has declined substantially due to the limitations of existing terrain and the deterioration of existing facilities. It is in the public interest that this trend be reversed and that Aspen Highlands remain economically stable and competitive so that it can maintain its contribution to the local and regional economy and continue to provide high quality recreational opponWlities to the public. This will [enhance] the public use of this area." DECISIONS TO BE MADE The Forest Service decision will be documented in a ROD signed by the WRNF Forest Supervisor, who may elect to accept and authorize the Proposed Action or alternative actions analyzed in this ElS or adopt the No Action Alternative. The Forest Supervisor will decide which elements of eacb alternative will be permitted for development. The Forest Supervisor could approve all, part, or none of each element of the Proposed Action or 1-8 Decisions to be Made