Snowmass Village Explores Connecting Snowmass Center and Base Village with a Pedestrian Bridge | Avant Garde Aspen Luxury Real Estate

Snowmass Village is taking steps to make the town more intuitive and connected by exploring ways to link two major hubs: Snowmass Center and Base Village. After years of discussion and stakeholder input, the town is considering a range of options, including a pedestrian bridge, gondola, or outdoor escalator.

Of these, a pedestrian bridge has emerged as the favored option among most Town Council members, although it comes with challenges and significant costs.

The Vision for Connectivity

The goal of the project is to create seamless, safe, and intuitive connections between Snowmass Center and Base Village. A proposed “menu of improvements” includes:

• Enhancing wayfinding with new signage and ground art.
• Adding new sidewalks and improving crosswalks.
• Exploring grand infrastructure projects like a pedestrian bridge, gondola, or escalator.

“Connecting the town’s nodes” has been part of the council’s goals since 2017, with ongoing discussions and planning sessions involving stakeholders like the Aspen Skiing Company and Roaring Fork Transportation Authority.

The Pedestrian Bridge: A Practical Yet Costly Solution

The centerpiece of the current plan is a 620-foot pedestrian bridge, which would connect the pointe site near Town Hall to Base Village. Sitting 40-45 feet above the roundabout at Brush Creek and Kearns Roads, the bridge is seen as a functional and meaningful solution, especially with affordable housing projects planned nearby.

Key Features:

• Provides a safe and continuous connection.
• Supports hundreds of families expected to live in new employee housing developments.
• Addresses long-standing goals for accessibility and walkability in Snowmass Village.

However, the bridge’s cost, estimated at $12-$34 million depending on materials and configuration, has raised concerns. Some council members also worry about the potential visual impact of the structure.

“I think if you’re going to do something, to me, (a bridge) is the most meaningful,” said Councilmember Tom Fridstein. “But it is expensive, and it is a visual barrier, I get that.”

Other Options: Gondola and Escalator

The council also reviewed the possibility of building a gondola or an outdoor escalator, but these ideas have received less enthusiasm.

• Gondola: While scenic, it would require staffing and ongoing maintenance, adding operational complexity and cost.
• Escalator: Many felt it would not align with the character of Snowmass and could detract from the town’s mountain aesthetic.

“It seems intuitive to us, but it is not intuitive, and that is the big message that comes out of this report,” said Councilmember Alyssa Shenk, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and ease of navigation.

What’s Next?

The town will conduct a public outreach campaign to gather input on the proposed solutions before making a final decision. Enhancements like improved wayfinding and sidewalk updates could move forward in the short term, while the council continues to weigh the long-term benefits and costs of a grand infrastructure project like the bridge.

A Path Toward the Future

As Snowmass Village grows, improving connectivity between Snowmass Center and Base Village will be crucial to creating a more accessible and enjoyable community. A pedestrian bridge represents a bold vision for the town’s future—one that balances the needs of residents, visitors, and local businesses.

Stay tuned for updates on this exciting project as Snowmass Village takes steps to ensure the town is as easy to navigate as it is beautiful.