Industry News
The Pitkin County Planning & Zoning Commission is scrutinizing Aspen Skiing Co. (SkiCo) over its proposal to install 13 cell towers across its ski areas, reports the Aspen Daily News. The initiative aims to enhance safety and emergency access, but the commission is concerned about the visual impact on the landscape.
SkiCo plans to amend the master plan documents for Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, and Buttermilk ski areas to accommodate structures exceeding the current 28-foot height limit. Six additional sites are proposed for Snowmass Ski Area. The towers, ranging from 40 to 100 feet in height, are designed to improve cell service coverage and have different finishes to blend with the surroundings.
Mak Keeling, SkiCo’s vice president of mountain planning, emphasized the importance of improved cell coverage for safety, stating that communication is currently difficult in many areas. The towers would provide space for major telecom companies, potentially boosting service beyond the ski areas into Pitkin County.
Despite support from local districts and first responders, the commission expressed doubts about the project’s necessity and potential profit motives. Members like Doug Throm raised concerns about the impact on ridgeline views and questioned the need for extensive cell service in the ski areas.
The commission plans to revisit the application on September 3, with SkiCo open to adjusting tower heights and locations. The U.S. Forest Service, which owns most of the land, also seeks public comment as part of its environmental review process.
