Blue Sky Basin facts for kids
Blue Sky Basin is a special part of Vail Ski Resort in Colorado, United States. It's one of the newest areas added to Vail, opening in the year 2000. This expansion was a big topic of discussion because of its size and its possible effects on wildlife.
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What is Blue Sky Basin?
Blue Sky Basin is an area for skiing and snowboarding that was added to the already huge Vail Ski Resort. It opened on January 6, 2000. This addition made Vail even bigger, adding about 525 acres (2.12 km2) to its total size, which was already more than 5,000 acres (20 km2).
A Big Expansion
When Blue Sky Basin first opened, it had three fast chairlifts called "high-speed quad chairlifts." These lifts help skiers get up the mountain quickly. The new area was designed to offer a different kind of skiing experience compared to other parts of Vail.
Skiing in Blue Sky Basin
Blue Sky Basin is known for its more natural feel. Instead of wide, clear paths, many of its runs go through meadows and forests. This type of skiing, called glades, means you ski among trees. The area has a vertical drop of about 1,900-foot (580 m), which is the difference in height from the top to the bottom of the ski runs.
The Controversy Around Blue Sky Basin
The creation of Blue Sky Basin was one of the most talked-about ski area expansions in Colorado's history. Many people debated whether it should be built.
Protecting Wildlife
One of the main concerns was about the lynx. This is a type of wild mountain cat that had been brought back to live in Colorado's wilderness. People worried that building the ski area might harm the lynx and their habitat.
A Major Incident
Before Blue Sky Basin opened, a serious event happened in 1998. Some environmental activists caused damage to several Vail facilities, including the Two Elk restaurant on Vail Mountain. This incident caused about $12 million in damage. Law enforcement agencies, like the FBI, investigated this event. This incident led to some public support for the resort, even though the debate about Blue Sky Basin continued.
