National Register of Historic Places

Boat Tow

Aspen, Pitkin County, Colorado
Listed
June 21, 1990
Type
Object
Period
Listed
Ref No.
90000866

About this property

The former Ski Lift No. 1 begins on Aspen Street in Aspen, Colorado, United States, and climbs up the slopes of Aspen Mountain. It was built in the late 1940s on the site of Aspen's first ski lift, known as the Boat Tow. In 1990 it was listed under that name on the National Register of Historic Places, one of only two ski lifts in the country so recognized. It was originally built with motors and other equipment left over from Aspen's days as a silver mining center in the late 19th century. The development of the ski area that began with the lift began the revival of Aspen into the upscale resort town it has since become, which in turn helped establish downhill skiing as a major winter recreational activity in the Western United States after World War II. When the current structure was opened, Aspen claimed it was the longest ski lift in the world. It was closed in 1971, but all its facilities remain on the mountain. It is one of the few remaining single-chair chairlifts in the United States. A small park and commemorative plaque have been established at the bottom station. One of the original boats was on display there as well, but has since been removed.

Location

700 S. Aspen St.
Aspen, Pitkin County, Colorado
39.18724, -106.81116

Categories

ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATIONENGINEERING
National Register nomination ›
Sources

Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).

Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Native Heritage
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Nearby Historic Sites

Sheely Bridge
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0.3 mi
Ute Cemetery
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0.3 mi
Wheeler Opera House
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0.4 mi
La Fave Block
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0.4 mi
Armory Hall, Fraternal Hall
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0.4 mi

Questions about this property

When was Boat Tow listed on the National Register?

Boat Tow was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 21, 1990.

What type of historic resource is Boat Tow?

Boat Tow is classified as a object in the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the period of significance for Boat Tow?

The period of significance for Boat Tow is recorded as the listed era.

Can I research the history near Boat Tow?

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