: One color film positive of the Jeep Lift that took place when the Lift One broke down in 1954, and jeeps were used to transport skiers up the mountain. This image shows several women walking away from the jeeps with their skis on their shoulders. Mt. Hayden is in the background.
: One b/w photograph of several people and some ski equipment in a jeep driving by Little Nell. The towers for the t-bar can be seen, as well as several jeeps and a building on the far left side. Probably part of the "Jeep Lift" in 1954, when jeeps were used to transport skiers to the top of the mountain because the lift was broken.
In 1954 Aspen Ski Corporation's Lift #1 broke during the ski season. In order to keep folks skiing, a road was plowed to the top of Aspen Mountain and townspeople ferried skiers for an entire week. According to the Aspen Journalism, thirty-five jeeps hauled 2,500 skiers, earning $1,109 in tips.
Among the people who organized the vent was Natalie Gignoux, who'd started the Little Percent Taxi Service using a jeep in 1950.
PHOTO CREDIT: ASPEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY, COURTESY OF ASPEN JOURNALISM. One b/w photograph and negative of about 10-15 jeeps and cars parked up near the top of Aspen Mountain. The Sundeck and lift towers can be seen in the background. There are skiers near the cars getting their equipment out of the cars. Sitting in the jeep is Dave Stapleton, John Thorpe is standing next to him (white shirt, buzz cut), Neil Beck is standing in front of John (grey shirt), and Euclid Worden in black cap. 1954-.
11 Comments
Tate
The one picture looks like a big traffic jam of jeeps.
4-63 FOREVER
i'd walk over broken glass for that 1949 4-63 4X4 !!! --- the ultimate in jeep WAGON-DOM !!!
Andy Testo
The Aspen Historical Society has an excellent archive with, search "jeep lift", and it'll unveil a nice photo series.
David Eilers
Thanks Andy. I'll check it out!
Lew
It would have been neat to do a reenactment at 50 years. I wonder if they thought of that. There certainly would have been plenty of volunteers around that part of Colorado, and maybe some of the original Jeeps used in the real deal.
Lew
Notice how many bed extenders there are on these. I wonder if they ever did a reenactment of this event at the 50 year anniversary. There certainly would have been a lot of local volunteers for such and event as well as maybe some of the original Jeeps that were part of the original event.
David Eilers
Lew, that would have been a good idea.
Dan B.
So. Much. Awesome.
Ted Jordan
I love the original half cab canvas tops, chains, and bed extenders!!!! What a great look
11 Comments
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