Public Lands Provide Big Benefits to Aspen Ski Co and Public,AT

What the Skico pays to use public lands of the White River National Forest

ASPEN REAL ESTATE  — In the 64 years since it was founded, Aspen Skiing Co. has made a fortune attracting some of the wealthiest people on the planet to some of the best skiing in the world. It couldn't have been done without public land.This is Part 2 of a 5-part series in the Aspen Time "Lands of Opportunity".*
By Scott Condon, Dec 5, 2011 AT

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*The third part, set for Monday, Dec. 12, will focus on how the U.S. Forest Service manages the White River National Forest which, in many ways, serves as the area's economic driver.


This aerial shot shows the vastness of Snowmass Ski Area. The Aspen Skiing Co. leases 4,997 acres of public lands to make its operations work at Snowmass. The Skico's payment for its special use permit varies from year to year. In 2010, it paid the federal government $1,067,242 for the land leased at Snowmass. Courtesy of Dan Bayer/Aspen Skiing Co.