government
Aspen Snowmass offers chance to bid on Nell and Bell chairs
By River Stingray Follow
rstingray@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times
· July 7, 2026
· 2 min read
The Bell Mountain and The Little Nell chairlifts, which have carried skiers and snowboarders up Aspen Mountain for nearly 120 combined years, are coming down to make way for the new Nell Bell lift — and heading to auction for a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the public to take one home.
“It’s a...
Key takeaway “These chairs have carried people up Aspen Mountain for nearly 120 combined years, and their final job is a fitting one,” Director of Sustainability and Philanthropy Hannah Berman told The Aspen Times.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The auction of historic chairlifts from Aspen Mountain is not only a unique opportunity for collectors but also a testament to the community's commitment to environmental sustainability and civic engagement. By donating chairs to local organizations such as the Aspen School District and Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, Aspen Snowmass is ensuring that a piece of the mountain's history remains in the valley. The proceeds from the auction will also support climate action and voter registration efforts, which is particularly relevant in a town like Aspen that is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, from heavy snow and avalanche risk to wildfire danger. As the community looks to the future, this initiative demonstrates a dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the Roaring Fork Valley while promoting democratic values. The fact that at least 224 chairs will find new homes, either through auction or donation, is a significant gesture of community involvement and environmental stewardship.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: government ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Bell Mountain and The Little Nell chairlifts, which have carried skiers and snowboarders up Aspen Mountain for nearly 120 combined years, are coming down to make way for the new Nell Bell lift — and heading to auction for a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the public to take one home.
“It’s a...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by River Stingray Follow
rstingray@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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