Aspen Snowmass, Colorado, officially opened the new Cirque T-Bar at Snowmass on Friday, February 13, according to a release from Aspen Snowmass.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at 11 a.m. at the base of the Cirque T-Bar to commemorate the occasion. Aspen Snowmass representatives spoke before the lift was opened to the public.
Susan Cross, Vice President of Mountain Operations at Aspen Skiing Company, stated that the opening of the Cirque T-Bar represents a significant investment in Snowmass' unique terrain. She credited the mountain operations teams for their work during the summer construction period, as well as snowcat and patrol teams for preparing the terrain for opening.
The opening coincided with 6" of fresh snowfall at Snowmass, providing soft conditions for skiers and riders. Aspen Snowmass claims to have the most open terrain in Colorado.
The Cirque T-Bar provides access to terrain including High Pass, High Alpine trails, and Rocky Mountain High. The Cirque Headwall and other terrain will be opened as conditions permit. Aspen Snowmass advises that the Cirque area is suitable only for expert skiers and riders, and that variable conditions should be expected. The Aspen Snowmass app will provide the most current terrain status updates.
The new Cirque T-Bar replaces a former platter lift, doubling uphill capacity and decreasing wait times while preserving the character of the terrain. The Cirque T-Bar is the only T-Bar lift across Aspen Snowmass' four mountains and is the resort's highest-elevation lift. According to Aspen Snowmass, the new lift represents a continued investment in the mountain and guest experience, improving access to Snowmass' high alpine terrain.
The Cirque T-Bar and the new Elk Camp Lift high-speed six-pack, which opened earlier in the season, mark the first time in nearly two decades that Snowmass has added two new lifts in a single season. Both projects are part of the Snowmass Master Plan, which was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and the Town of Snowmass Village. The plan's long-term goals include improving access, guest flow, and terrain connectivity.
