Forest Services favors plan for alpine coaster at Snowmass

ASPEN, Colo. (AP) -- The U.S. Forest Service is considering a plan to add new hiking trails and bike trails and open up the national forest at Snowmass Village to uses such as an alpine coaster in the off season.

The Aspen Times reportsthat the White River National Forest released a Final Environmental Impact Statement on the plan on Tuesday. The Forest Service says if no objections to the plan are filed 45 days after March 17, the decision will be finalized by late spring.

Aspen Skiing Co. is proposing a mountain coaster, zip line, canopy tours, challenge course, climbing wall, and expanded hiking and mountain biking trails during the off season.

If approved, the company wants complete the $8 million dollar project by 2018.