Aspen Snowmass, CO, Undergoes $80 Million Off-Season Upgrades

The infusion of a new $80 million investment in Aspen Snowmass by Aspen One will enhance skiers’ experience both on and off the mountain. Snowmass is best known for its expansive terrain and vast number of expert ski runs. Larger than all three other Aspen ski mountains combined, it is this combination of large footprint and wide variety of terrain that make it a truly outstanding ski experience. The first part of the upgrades will involve improving chairlift capacity. The second is a restaurant rebuild, and finally snowmaking upgrades. Most of these enhancements are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Originally built in 1995, Elk Camp is the third oldest lift at Snowmass. It will go from a quad to a six pack. Elk Camp is located on the mountain and services some of the best blue runs on the mountain. It is home to the longest run in Colorado, Longshot, an impressive 5.3 mile run. The Elk Camp six pack will increase the uphill capacity from 2,020 to 2,800 people per hour, easing liftlines. This is also the lift that transports bikers to the Snowmass Bike Park during the summer months. This lift upgrade will help Snowmass keep up with the ever changing chairlift technology. 

The second major lift improvement is the Cirque platter being upgraded to a T-Bar. The Cirque upgrade will significantly enhance the ski experience in Snowmass’ above tree line, high alpine, expert terrain. Located 12,500 feet above sea level, Cirque will be the sixth highest lift in the United States. Rider capacity will more than double from 450 to 1,000 people per hour. The Cirque is a unique surface lift, providing access to some of Snowmass’ most difficult terrain. 

Beyond lift upgrades, the 56 year old Ullrhof mid mountain restaurant will be completely demolished and rebuilt in time for the 2026-27 ski season. The new building will be Aspen Snowmass’ first ever all-electric mountain restaurant. The seating capacity will double, hosting more than 500 visitor seats. Additionally, a new bar and lounge will be located upstairs.

This summer, Snowmass is upgrading two existing lifts concurrently, for the first time since 2006. These lift upgrades are a part of a larger $80 million dollar capital improvement plan for Aspen Snowmass. Since opening in 1967 with just 5 lifts and fifty miles of trails, Aspen is leading the way with capital improvements enhancing their mountain resorts, so many generations can come and enjoy what Aspen has to offer. Skiers can expect shorter lift lines, better dining experiences and enhanced snowmaking which will improve the all around experience at Snowmass skiers have come to expect.