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A gondola alignment thaI' would connec\: \:he Tiehack Ski Area to the Burnt Mountain summit was also assessed. Alternative F showed the gondola terminating at the Burnt Mountain summit, while Alternative E had the Tiehack gondola integrated with the Base Village gondola, creating a base-to-base aerial link between the two ski areas. I do not believe it would be acceptable, now or in the future, to have two gondolas joined on the summit of Burnt Mountain. From a downhill skiing standpoint, I believe such a system would overcrowd the Burnt Mountain and eastern Elk Camp pods. From an environmental perspective, I do not believe that the physical and biological impacts from such development adjacent to the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness (MB-SW) would be justified by any potential public benefit (also see the discussion of transportation issues below) . With an understanding of the Forest Service position to limit development on the Burnt Mountain .summit, ASC may choose to postpone construction of the second stage of the Base Village-to-Burnt Mountain gondola unt~l such time as it has submitted a proposed MDP .for the Tiehack Ski Area and the Forest Service has completed an analysis of the proposed plan pursuant to NEPA requirements. The proposed Tiehack MDP may include consideration of a gondola link between the Tiehack and Snowmass Ski Areas. If the Forest Service approves such a link and relevant government approvals are secured, ASC will have the option of selecting this alternative over the second stage of a Bas.e Village-to-Burnt Mountain gondola. CONDITIONS The upper stage of the Base Village-to-Burnt Mountain gondola and associated summit facilities will be restricted to winter use only. I believe the potential adverse effects on the wildlife resourc~, in particular the elk herd which summers in this area, would be unacceptable if the second stage of the gondola were operated in the summertime. The lower stage of the gondola (Base Village- to-Cafe Suzanne) may be operated during the summer season after June 20 or later date established for the seasonal closure on the Government Trail to reduce disturbance to elk during calving and migration periods. 2. Elk Camp Gondola and Associated Facilities AS an alternative to the upper stage of the gondola from Cafe Suzanne to the Burnt Mountain summit, ASC may choose to .construct the upper stage of the gondola to the Elk Camp summit. This lift upgrade was analyzed as a high-speed quad chairlift in FEIS Alternative F and as a gondola in DEIS Alternative F. The summit station associated with this alignment would be as described above for the Burnt Mountain gondola (maximum of 3,000 sq. ft. with no restaurant). The mid- mountain complex would also be as described above for the Cafe Suzanne complex. The small summit facility would be available for use in the summer as a visitor center. DISCUSSION The analysis showed that this location would actually serve more terrain than a Burnt Mountain top terminal. The entire Elk Camp pod would be served directly and Burnt Mountain could be accessed via a short transport lift from the Bull Run trail or via catwalk. CONDITIONS The upper stage of the gondola can be operated in the summer between June 20 and September 30. Except for a boardwalk and viewing platform in the immediate area of the summit, hiking trails and other activities will be focused away from, rather than along, the wilderness boundary and the Burnt Mountain area. Closures will be enacted in the spring and fall to reduce disturbances to elk during migration periods. RECORD OF DECISION Page . 10