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Show Wed/Thurs/Fri, August 15-17, 2018 The Park Record B-7 Aspen’s mayor not facing an uphill battle on ski mountaineering study City weighs hiring firm to examine SkiMo’s potential CAROLYN SACKARIASON The Aspen Times ASPEN, Colo. – Mayor Steve Skadron’s vision for Aspen to become the epicenter of an uphill fitness economy is reaching new heights as elected officials Monday night will consider hiring a consultant for $75,000 to further the effort. SE Group, based in Frisco, Colorado, has been selected to develop what’s being called a “Rec. Plan,” which is the next step in an initiative that’s been forging ahead in City Hall for the past four years. Skadron believes there is an opportunity for Aspen to build itself as a year-round uphill recreation economy. That includes everything from hosting festivals, endurance races and related events to having ski mountaineering and other outdoor companies based here. The idea is to create a job ecosystem in an industry that can stretch as far as Grand Junction, where product development and testing is a good fit for the region, Skadron said. No longer would the Western Slope have to rely as heavily on the natural gas industry, and Aspen’s economy has room to diversify, too, he added. “My grand vision was not about festivals but an attempt to lay the foundation to di- ANNA STONEHOUSE/THE ASPEN TIMES An uphiller follows the designated route at Buttermilk/Tiehack in Aspen, Colorado. Officials want to study SkiMo’s economic benefits. versify the economy from a boom-and-bust real estate cycle,” he said. Aspen is in many ways already a big player in the “SkiMo” culture, playing host to some of the most challenging races in North America — the Power of Four and the Grand Traverse. Local outdoor gear companies have established themselves here in recent years, and the Aspen Skiing Co. is embracing the culture by allowing uphill skinning on its mountains. The company regularly opens the Cliffhouse restaurant on top of Buttermilk Mountain to nighttime skinners. Skadron said he hopes to continue building the momentum. “It’s about creating the critical mass locally,” he said. The contract with SE Group is designed to take the local uphilling possibilities to the next level. If Aspen City Council approves the contract tonight, the consulting firm will develop a plan that provides recommendations, goals and policies for various forms of uphill recreation, whether it’s skiing, backcountry touring, hiking or mountain biking. It will be based upon an uphill economic development plan that was developed in 2016. The Rec. Plan is intended to provide a blueprint for the long-term success of the uphill economy, according to the city’s request for proposals in seeking a consultant. The effort officially began with an inaugural uphill festival in 2014 as a way to carry out Aspen City Council’s top 10 goal to “support economic activities that build on small mountain-town character rather than physical development.” Since then, Skadron has been communicating with ski manufacturers including Dynafit and Scarpa, as well as Gov. John Hickenlooper’s Office for Economic Development and International Trade. Skadron said he was in the governor’s Grand Junction office last month discussing economic development on the Western Slope, with the uphill economy as the underpinning. “They are excited about it,” he said, referring to the industry’s region as the “golden triangle” — from Aspen to Grand Junction. SE Group will be charged with studying existing and proposed infrastructure, trails, environmental conditions, federal land-management plans and public and private land-management policies for the basis of the city’s uphill recreation economy. The Rec. Plan also will inventory and map existing conditions of uphill-related “assets” in the upper valley that support the vision. The team will map out “zones” that have different levels of intensity for uphill recreation and what’s appropriate in terms of infrastructure. The city has received a $25,000 grant from the Department of Local Affairs that will fund one third of the project cost, according to Phillip Supino, the city’s long-range planner. SE Group’s work plan estimates that it will have a final uphill plan complete in June 2019. Skadron said a symposium is being planned in Aspen in December with industry and elected leaders from across the region to discuss what an uphill economy might look like. Introducing... 435-645-7139 www.marketatparkcity.com Please look for our insert in today’s paper! 1990 28 2018 2018 Committed To DEDICATED TO PARK CITY FOR 28 YEARS (435) 649-8322 theteam@parkcitytitle.com 1670 Bonanza Drive • Park Record Building LIZY MICHELLE JA N E L L E Some of the petS at NuzzleS & Co. lookiNg for love These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Tanger Outlets in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. Bee Bop Chi Chi Edgar Allen Staci Meet Bee Bop, a great dog with a great personality! He’s a young cattle dog mix who loves people. He walks well on a leash, doesn’t jump up, and is good with cats and other dogs. He would make the perfect addition to any loving and active family! Chi Chi is a 3-year-old Chihuahua. He’s very sweet but can be a bit shy at first. He loves to be held and go on walks. Chi Chi doesn’t seem to mind cats but would be happiest as the only dog in his home. This little guy is a big snuggler! Edgar Allen is a 9-month-old Labrador mix. This energetic dog does well on a leash and loves to go for walks. He prefers a home without cats or young children but does well with other more submissive dogs. Come meet this happy and outgoing guy today! Staci is a 1-year-old cattle dog mix. Every time you see her big smile and her wagging tail, you can’t help but smile, too! She loves to go on walks, play with other dogs, and spend time with people. This sweet girl is just such a happy dog! Deer Creek TITLE INSURANCE, INC. Confidence to close! MICHELLE HUGGINS 4 35 . 6 59. 4 4 07 D M I C H E L L E H U G G I N S @ H OT M A I L .CO M Oghep Raspberry Sissy Valentino Oghep is a beautiful Russian blue mix who is about 5 years old. He’d prefer a peaceful home where he can lounge around by the windows in the day and curl up on the couch at night. He’s not much for over-exciting playtime or noisy toys — catnip and a cozy beds for Oghep! Raspberry is a gentle and sweet 5-year-old Domestic Shorthair. She’s got a beautiful tabby and white coat that is soft as can be! She’s an absolutely darling cat who is looking for a loving family to snuggle and love. She gets along well with other friendly felines, too! Sissy is a sweet and mellow Domestic Shorthair with a brown tabby coat. She’s about 8 years old. Sissy is a bit shy at first but does enjoy the company of humans that she feels comfortable around. She would be happy in a relaxed and peaceful forever home. Valentino may be a little bit camera-shy, but that doesn’t make him any less adorable! He’s an easygoing cat who is about 3 years old. Valentino is a snuggly guy who loves to curl up on your lap and snooze the day away. He gets along well with other mellow cats, too! WaNted: voluNteerS These Organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to copyeditor@parkrecord.com. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words The Hope Alliance The Hope Alliance is looking for volunteers to process eyeglasses for the vision program. These eyeglasses will be distributed to some of the poorest communities throughout Peru, Guatemala, and other impoverished areas, supporting multiple vision campaigns. Volunteers can work at The Hope Alliance’s Park City office, Monday through Saturday, during office hours. For more information, please call 435-333-3334 or email info@thehopealliance.org. Jeremy Ranch Elementary Jeremy Ranch Elementary School offers an excellent senior volunteer opportunity. Reading tutors are needed to mentor young readers throughout the school year. This is a tremendously rewarding experience and you will receive more than you give. No experience required. We will train you and provide a positive, fun atmosphere for your mentoring. We need you for this wonderful purpose filled work! Contact Barbara at 801-699-5158. Kimball Art Center The Kimball Art Center seeks dedicated volunteers in a variety of areas at its largest fundraiser of the year, the 49th Annual Park City Kimball Arts Festival on Historic Main Street Friday, Aug. 3 – Sunday, Aug. 5. Volunteers will have the chance to give back to the community while enjoying an environment of art, cuisine and music. For more information about available positions, responsibilities and benefits, please visit our website at ParkCityKimballArtsFestival.org/volunteer or contact volunteers@kimballartcenter.org. Mega Genius Supply Store & IQ HQ Ready to make a difference in the lives of local students? The Mega Genius Supply Store & IQ HQ is looking for a few interested (and interesting) adult volunteers to support students in grades 2-12 with homework at our quirky, free after-school tutoring program. Hours are flexible. Tutoring happens Mon-Thurs after school until 5pm at 435 Swede Alley. Learn more by calling Stacey at 435-655-8252 or emailing ssayers@parkcityinstitute.org. Orientation and training required. Join us in this fun and fulfilling work. Find us on Facebook. The Mega Genius Supply Store & IQ HQ is a project of the Park City Institute. For a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit parkrecord.com/ volunteers |