Forest Service seeks comments on proposed lift replacement on Aspen Mountain
CARBONDALE, Colo. (July 11, 2025) – The White River National Forest seeks public comments on Aspen Skiing Company’s proposal to replace the Little Nell and Bell Mountain Chairlifts at Aspen Mountain with a single, modern quad chairlift.
“Before any work on the ground can begin, the Forest Service needs to complete an environmental review of this proposal,” said Aspen-Sopris District Ranger Kevin Warner. “Public comments about this proposal are a key part of the environmental review.”
Both chairlifts have reached the end of their operational lifespan. The Little Nell Chairlift was installed in 1986, and the Bell Mountain Chairlift was initially installed in 1957 with several upgrades. Aspen Skiing Company is proposing to replace these aging chairlifts to reduce lift ride times, enhance operational efficiency, and improve their guests’ experience.
The proposed chairlift would span approximately 8,300 feet, with approximately 465 feet crossing National Forest System land and approximately 7,830 feet crossing private land. The chairlift line would include new towers and new foundations, which would primarily be located on private land.
Aspen Mountain operates on the White River National Forest under a special use permit. The replacement of the chairlifts is within their permitted area and is included in an amendment to the Aspen Mountain Master Development Plan accepted by the White River National Forest.
The removal of the old chairlifts and installation of the new chairlift is tentatively planned to occur during the 2026 construction season.
More information, including the proposal and how to comment, is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/whiteriver/projects/68277. Comments will be most helpful if received by Aug. 11, 2025.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
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