1947 Aspen Mountain opened with the world's longest ski lift. Aspen became the first ski resort in America to host an international competition, predecessor of today's World Cup races.

The 3 other mountains - Buttermilk (1958), Aspen Highlands (1958), and Snowmass (1968)--added to Aspen's reputation as a premiere international resort, and Aspen flourished in summertime with the combination of climate, recreation, history, and culture. The unanticipated growth of an appealing community based on world-class skiing and culture spurred a divided local population to turn to zoning and later to adopt growth control measures.

From hunting territory to mining city, through the "Quiet Years" as an agricultural center to the present, the history of Aspen is the story of a town of changing economies with a distinct mix of locals and outsiders, recreation and culture, landscape and sport.

More Information

Aspen Historical Society
URL: www.aspenhistory.org/
Address: 620 West Bleeker St., Aspen, CO 81611  (970) 925-3721