May 2005
Forest Service Reapproves Peak 8 Summit Lift at Breckenridge Ski Area
After withdrawing its initial approval for a new Peak 8 Summit Lift at the Breckenridge Ski Area, the Dillon Forest Service recently announced that it has reapproved the new lift. The proposed lift would run from the top of Chair 6 to the top of Imperial Bowl, accessing terrain that to this point has been "hike-to." The chair is to be built this summer in time for the 05-'06 ski season.
Vail Resorts and the Breckenridge Ski Area cite crowding problems and improving guests' skiing experience as the motivating factors for the new lift. But opponents claim that no research or hard data was gathered from guests as to whether or not they would even be in favor of the lift. On the easing congestion and crowding issue, the proposed chair would likely not be open on days that it's needed most - powder days. On big snow days, the proposed area is historically plagued by high winds, avalanche danger and poor visibility.
Environmental issues have also surfaced since the Forest Service and Vail Resorts fast-tracked an Environmental Impact Statement in January. Construction of the new lift, not to mention subsequent snow cat use, will damage the surrounding high alpine tundra to the point that it likely will not recover in this century.
Many think the real reason behind the new lift is bragging rights and marketing. Colorado Wild Executive Director Jeff Berman claims the lift proposal is part of what he calls the ski area marketing arms race. If this new chair is put in, Vail Resorts will be the proud owner of the "highest chair lift in North America."
For many what it comes down to is the adverse effects a chair lift will have on the best skiing on the mountain. Locals, backcountry and advanced skiers relish the proposed area for its hard to reach, hike-to terrain. At one of the busiest, most popular ski areas in Colorado, it provides a haven where you can avoid lift lines and find untracked snow. If you put in a lift that zips you to the top, tracked out, bumped out and overcrowded skiing is inevitable.