“Putting profits ahead of Colorado’s wildlife will not be tolerated,” the group announced. Seven members of the group were imprisoned; four remain at large. The arson painted expansion opponents as extremists and rallied supporters around Vail.
When tree-cutting began in 1999, protesters chained themselves to logging vehicles, a last-ditch effort that got 10 of them arrested.
“That was 10 years ago. The people that were causing all the trouble are long gone,” Seibert said. “We’re still here. The third generation of Seiberts to ski the mountain, and skiing Blue Sky.”
Vail named Pete’s Bowl and Earl’s Bowl in Blue Sky Basin to honor the founders.
It takes four lift rides to get here, the most remote spot at the nation’s largest ski resort.
The 45-minute journey takes you 7 miles from Vail village and Interstate 70, up the front side of the ski mountain and down the back, with a couple of long traverses that will test your wax job.
It’s worth the effort. Blue Sky Basin is a 645-acre backcountry playground where cliffs, glades, moguls and groomers let skiers feel like they’re miles from civilization, and where many insist the most snow falls at the resort.