SAM Magazine—Aspen Snowmass, Colo., June 23, 2017—Summer operations are about to become a big deal at Aspen Snowmass. The resort plans to install a mountain coaster, zip line canopy tour, aerial adventure course, and climbing wall, and add miles of new hiking and biking trails. Most features are slated to open by summer 2018, part of the new Lost Forest located on Snowmass Mountain.

“These additions will provide guests an opportunity to be completely immersed in nature while enjoying an array of activities,” the resort said in a statement. “The Lost Forest is designed to be intertwined with nature, not detached from it. The Lost Forest has something to offer no matter what age or activity level desired.”

The Breathtaker Coaster, built by Wiegand, will operate year-round, and will have lights for night riding. It is expected to open December 2017. The track will be 5,700 feet long and descend 410 vertical feet with a total ride time of seven to nine minutes. The resort said it will be the most accessible activity in the Lost Forest.

The guided Canopy Run zip line canopy tour will feature eight zips and two sky bridges and both tree- and pole-based platforms. The entire tour will take up to three hours for groups of eight to 10 people.

A continuous belay system will keep guests connected to the new Treeline Trail Challenge Course. The course will include five separate paths of varying difficulty across multiple levels. There will be one very easy course meant for children, and one easy, two medium and one difficult course for everyone else.

The new climbing wall will be approximately 40 feet tall and 60 feet wide. It will have 13-15 lanes equipped with auto belay devices. REALRock construction will give the wall the appearance of an authentic rock formation.

Last but not least, the mountain's hiking and mountain biking trails systems will be expanded. For hiking, Snowmass is adding 1.4 miles of new trails, along with 1 mile of hiking trail reroutes to Sierra Loop and Rabbit Run. This will reduce the number of intersections with bike trails and other activities. There will be 15.1 miles of new bike trails, with a mix of flow and hybrid trails ranging from beginner to expert, designed by Gravity Logic. The resort will also make improvements to the Meadows Skills Park. The new bike park trails will be built over a 2-3 year period.

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