Improvements for 1972

“Back in Time” is contributed by Aspen Historical Society (AHS) and features excerpted articles and images from past Snowmass Sun/Aspen Times issues. We can’t rewrite history, but we can learn from it! Visit archiveaspen.org to view the vast Aspen Times photographic collection in the AHS Archives.

“Snowmass Mountain has sustained over $200,000 in improvements since last winter, according to Larry Beidleman, spokesman for the Snowmass Skiing Corporation,” reported The Aspen Times on Nov. 16, 1972. “The most obvious change is the addition of an entirely new trail called ‘Bear Claw.’ The run, previously referred to as ‘Packer Trail,’ follows the No. 5 Campground Lift. According to Beidleman, this trail offers the best exposure and follows the fall line, making it the best run off the Campground lift. He predicts it will be the most popular trail on Campground. ‘Wildcat Trail,’ also off the No 5 lift, has been opened to the top of Sam’s Knob and widened slightly. Another trail to the west will join Wildcat where it widens half way down. Advanced ski school classes will no longer meet at the base of the No. 4 Burn lift. A more convenient location at the base of Sam’s Knob will headquarter all 11 AM classes. A building has been constructed at the site…. New innovations, in addition to physical improvements, are planned this season at Snowmass. “Coney Glade,” a trail traditionally used for ski school slalom courses will now be available as a permanent slalom course…. A gelandespring has been added on Spar Knob. Located on the No. 3 chairlift, near the roll jump, the gelande will give springs of up to 230 feet. Safer than the roll the new jump forces distance rather than height. Bonzai Ridge, the main run off Sam’s Knob, which in turn feeds several other trails, has been facelifted too. Rocks were removed and the entire ridge was covered with wood chips. These chips will prevent early thaws, as well as making a rock-free, less scratchable base. The Sam’s Knob unloading area has likewise been covered with chips…. Sam’s Knob restaurant has a new face. A deck has been added by the front door entrance offering additional outdoor eating and sunning space. The base of No. 6 Assay Lift boasts a new operator’s shack, with inside public rest rooms. Picnic tables have been added in several locations. These tables, in addition to the new ski school meeting building on top of No. 2 lift were made from wood lumbered on the mountain where Elk Camp was cut. Additions and improvements surpass any year in the past at Snowmass.”