Guide to Lift 1A Development

(Last Updated December 2018)

Whether you’ve been casually following the project over the years or are learning about it for the first time, here’s an overview of this important public / private initiative.

What is 1A?

It’s a chair lift that was installed in 1972, a shorter version of the original Aspen lift, cleverly named, “Lift 1.” Lift 1 connected with Lift 2 (now gone) which cut across Tourtelotte Park and over to the summit. 

When the gondola was installed in ‘86, the 1A-side of the mountain went cult — loved, but not by too many. When the conditions are right the lift serves some great skiing / boarding. On a sunny day, it’s a nice ride to even out the tan, but the community agrees it’s time for an upgrade.  

The Plan

After A LOT of discussion, A LOT of back-and-forth, studies, surveys, renderings and debates (seven years worth) it appears that a working proposal has come into focus. 

1) The Lift: Move the new high speed lift down to Dean Street. This is great as that hike up to the current lift is no fun in ski boots, especially when it’s icy. 

2) The Hotels: Triple the ski-in / ski-out hotel volume from 1 to 3. The 81-room Gorsuch Haus,  will be a handsome, up-hill, upscale Bavarian-inspired “haus”. Lift One Lodge, developed by Michael and Aaron Brown, clocks in at 104-rooms and will flank a skiers’ corridor. An underground garage will link the two buildings and include both hotel and public parking. Both hotels will have various food and beverage outlets for tourists and locals.   

3) World Cup & FIS Racing: Aspen’s long and storied history in ski racing is in danger of being just that ... in the past. Both the World Cup and the FIS races will not return until 1A is improved. 

“I can tell you sitting on a cold lift before going to the best run of your life can be difficult,” said Aspen Olympic medalist Alex Ferreira at a town hall meeting last week. “This new lift would help in bringing the town the chance to host more high-profile events.”