Board of County Commissioners approve Aspen Mountain Expansion
The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners formally approved the expansion of terrain on Aspen Mountain by 3–1 on Wednesday, November 17. The Pandora’s project is a boom for Aspen Mountain skiers. The intermediate and advanced gladed runs will add 22% more terrain, or 153 acres on the east side of Aspen Mountain, and will open up the coveted backcountry terrain.
Anyone who has skied back there knows how special this area of the mountain is. The east facing leeward slope collects significantly more snow during storm cycles and at an elevation over 11,000 feet, the snow quality is superb.
Despite having lived in the valley for over 31 years, it’s remarkably easy to recall my first venture into the spectacular Pandora’s terrain. Although we will lose the exclusivity of this out of bounds area, it will be great to have lift access on the east side of the mountain. Glading will start in the summer of 2022 with construction of the lift to begin in summer of 2023. The Aspen Ski Company and BOCC should be commended on completing this process.
Will Aspen Regulate Short Term Rentals?
In a working session on Tuesday, November 16 the Aspen City Council concluded that short term rentals should have some form of regulation. What that regulation looks like is still up in the air. After reading both articles in the local papers and asking for clarification with Aspen City Council members and the mayor, this complex issue has a long way to go before it’s resolved.
One council member and the mayor of Aspen got back to me directly for further clarification and their interpretation of the proposed regulations are significantly different. Our mayor, Torre, was of the opinion that there will likely be no further regulation in the core of town. The East and West ends of town, as well as the Smuggler area, are likely see some type of restriction on the issuing of STR permits as well as a potential cap on the amount of available rental days. Councilman Skippy Mesirow thought that as of January 1, 2022 there could be an across the board ban on new STR permits in Aspen.
Whichever way this goes, it is going to be a contentious battle putting homeowners’ rights in the cross hairs. As someone who owns a STR in the core, and manages several others, the thought of new restrictions and being told what we can do and can’t do with our property by the government does not sit well with me and this is a concerning issue. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Two New Rental Listings
Celebrate the holidays at this magnificent half duplex in the east end of Aspen with ample outdoor space and access to the Northstar Nature Preserve. The natural setting provides privacy and views, yet is conveniently just a short walk to downtown and Aspen Mountain. Living and dining areas flow seamlessly together for entertaining a large family gathering. Multiple wood-burning fireplaces add warmth and ambiance, while natural light fills the home. Five generous en-suite bedrooms spread over three levels provides enough space for everyone to feel at home. This exclusive listing is only available November 25, 2021 through January 3, 2022
5 Bedroom 6 Bathroom | 4,121 square feet | $3,000 Nightly | $3,800 Holiday Nightly | $35,000 Monthly | Video Walk Through
1020 E. Durant is a new vacation rental listing with an open calendar – available for long or short term after Thanksgiving. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom 3rd floor Ute Condo unit features updated modern finishes, Viking stainless appliances, and a wine refrigerator to keep the beverages chilled. Located only a few blocks to the center of downtown and the gondola, this condo is equipped with a fireplace, flat screen televisions, washer/dryer, WiFi and a reserved parking space in the lot. Enjoy a nice steam shower in the primary suite at the end of an active Aspen day, and then take in the views of Aspen Mountain from either bedroom.
2 Bedroom | 2 Bathroom | 814 square feet | $15,500 Monthly | Video Walk Through
