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Are Basaltines ready for some skiing?

Scott Condon

Midvalley residents will soon get their chance to judge whether “Ski Basalt” is a legitimate rallying cry.

Supporters of the proposed Basalt Winter Sports Center will hold a demonstration day Sunday, Feb. 25, from 1-3 p.m.

“We’re going to have an on-snow, come-check-out-the-slope day,” said sports center backer Dale Potvin.



He and others envision the slope behind Basalt High School as a practice ski and snowboard hill. Users are invited to grab their sliding device of choice – skis, snowboards or even tubes – and ride the white wave. Park at the high school lot.

Supporters have prepared a site plan that will be on display at the base of the slope Sunday. It features a 700-foot lift and a slope with 150 vertical feet.




The plan also envisions a halfpipe, practice racing gates, tubing runs, a skating pond and a link to nearby cross-country skiing trails at the Roaring Fork Club. Aspen Skiing Co. planner Victor Gerdin has contributed his time to prepare the preliminary site plan.

Supporters now want midvalley residents to help assess whether or not the idea should be pursued.

“I think we all need to experience this before we take the next step,” Potvin said. “We think this could be a great amenity for kids and their families in the midvalley. Our idea is to create a place that’s big on playfulness, that gets kids excited about the outdoor activities that so many of us parents moved here for.”

Assuming the public is behind it, organizers hope to raise money to develop the facility. So far proponents have raised $2,000 of the $4,500 they estimate is needed to complete the first phase of a feasibility study for the site. A topographical survey and title search of the land have been done, and Basalt High School teacher Andre Wille and his students are conducting a snow study.

Potvin said continued warm weather could alter plans. It’s apparent that some level of snowmaking would be necessary on the slope.

For more information about the demo day, call Jan Stenstadvold at 927-3258.