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The Aspen Skiing Co.’s employee-run nonprofit charity, The Environmental Foundation, is accepting grant applications for projects that improve or protect the Roaring Fork Valley environment.

The foundation, which supports environmental education and research, responsible stewardship of natural resources, protection of mountain ecosystems, and outdoor recreation, is unique in the ski industry. Employee contributions are matched by the Skico’s Family Fund and the Aspen Valley Community Foundation. A board of directors composed of Aspen Skiing Co. employees governs the foundation and decides which projects to fund. More than 1,400 employees ” a record level of participants ” contribute to the foundation annually.



The application deadline for the spring cycle is 4:30 p.m. March 21.

Applicants can request an electronic grant application, eligibility guidelines or more information from Auden Schendler at aschendler@aspensnowmass.com.




A local author and historian who has written about the history of Basalt and the Roaring Fork Valley will lecture tonight about Italians who came to the Woody Creek area in the early 1900s.

Basalt-born Earl Elmont, whose is writing a book to be called “Woody Creek and the Italian Connection,” will speak tonight at The Mountain Chalet. The lecture, which is sponsored by the Aspen Historical Society, is free and open to the public, although a $5 donation is suggested.

Elmont said Italians came to the Aspen area in droves in the early 1900s due to poor conditions in northern Italy. The immigrants faced poverty and harsh conditions with an inspirational work ethic, he said. In the last 25 years, many of the families’ later generations have become wealthy through the sale of their families’ property.

Elmont’s previous book, “Basalt and the Frying Pan; a Legacy of the Colorado Midland Railroad,” is popular in the Aspen area.

The lecture will be held at The Mountain Chalet Conference Room at 333 E. Durant St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the lecture begins at 6 p.m.