ACES: History of Skiing Snowmass

Aspen/Snowmass has very liberal policies with regards to uphill skiing in the resort and leaving (and returning) the ski area boundary. Learn from Aspen Center for Environmental Studies speaker Rich Burkley about the history behind these policies, what you can and can’t do and things to consider when uphill or backcountry skiing in this special place.

Speaker Rich Burkley has been with Aspen Skiing Company for 29 years, and has held several different roles during his time there, including purchasing clerk, payroll manager, director of finance, director of administration ski & snowboard schools, Aspen Highlands ski school manager, managing director ski & snowboard schools of Aspen, vice president – mountain operations, and is now senior vice president, strategy and business development. He served on the Colorado Passenger Tramway Board for 12 years and is currently on the Colorado Ski Country Operations Committee. Rich is also a member of PSIA/AASI, Rocky Mountain Lifts Association, and National Ski Patrol. He is a skier and a snowboarder, and also enjoys ski mountaineering, kayaking, bike racing and cooking. Rich serves on the Aspen Historical Society and works closely with the Sister Cities Committee. Rich is married with two children.