Summer Skittles in Snowmass?

SNOWMASS VILLAGE – The Skittles people-mover, connecting Base Village to the Snowmass Mall, operated last weekend for the Chili Pepper & Brew Festival, offering revelers the chance to sample the businesses and attractions on both ends of the lift.But the Skittles’ operation this summer is up in the air as Lance Hool, owner of the Timbermill building at the end of the Snowmass Mall, is asking the town to pony up $4,000 for use of an easement. During the winter, when the lift is run by Aspen Skiing Co., there’s a ski easement in place. At this time of year, funding of the lift operation falls on the Base Village General Improvement District’s shoulders.The Snowmass Village Town Council, which wears a second hat as the district’s governing body, recently debated how important it is to have a seamless connection between the two commercial cores via a Skittles ride. Elected officials voted to mandate a seven-day-a-week operation of the lift during summer, beginning June 15.Councilwoman Markey Butler said the message the community wants to put forward is, “The town’s open.”But, council members pondered, whether the $4,000 price the landowner is seeking to use the land between the upper lift terminus and the mall too high, especially since there’s no charge to ride the lift.”While we recognize there’s some value, we don’t feel that’s the right number,” said Snowmass Village Mayor Bill Boineau.The council directed Town Attorney John Dresser to negotiate with Hool’s attorney. And the promise of negotiations prompted Hool to agree to allow for the Skittles’ operation during last weekend’s festival – the kickoff to the Snowmass summer season.mosberger@snowmasssun.com