Service Animal Policies

I field of yellow and white flowers at dusk, the sunset in illuminating the mountains to glow purple

“Service animals” are dogs that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Other animals, whether wild or domestic, do not qualify as “service animals.” Dogs that are not trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a disability, including dogs that are used purely for emotional support, are not “service animals.”

Subject to certain limitations, miniature horses may be substituted for service dogs. Miniature horses as used as service animals must meet the standards set forth by the American Miniature Horse Association. Specifically, miniature horses may not exceed thirty-four inches at the withers measured at the last mane hairs. The use of miniature horses is prohibited on all ski lifts and within buildings on ASC property due to size, weight, and other safety considerations within each location.

All service animals must fall within current ADA guidelines, which include, but are not limited to: remain under the direct control of the user at all times; be house broken; and be trained and utilized for a specific disability approved by ADA regulations.

Winter Policy For Service Animals

ASC supports the use of trained service animals during the Winter Operating Season. All service animals must meet current ADA guidelines which include, but are not limited to: remaining under the direct control of the user at all times, be house broken and be trained and utilized for a specific disability per ADA regulations.

Use of service animals on the Aspen Mountain Gondola located at the Aspen Mountain Ski Area, the Elk Camp Gondola located at the Snowmass Ski Area, and the Sky Cab gondola located at Snowmass Ski Area is permitted. However, due to size and weight constraints, the use of miniature horses on these lifts is prohibited. ASC prohibits the public from having service animals on all other lifts. ASC restricts the use of animals on the lifts to dogs specifically trained, or in the process of being trained for avalanche search and rescue work and which are under the direct control of ASC personnel. The use of service animals on ski lifts and ski terrain directly conflicts with ASC’s safety requirements and impedes the reasonably safe operation of ASC’s onslope activities. These safety concerns include the real potential for conflicts between service animals and skiers and riders and are compounded by the large volume of slope and trail use. These safety requirements are based on actual risks and are not intended to be discriminatory in any way.

Summer Policy for Service Animals

ASC supports the use of trained service animals during the Summer Operating season. All service animals must meet current ADA guidelines which include, but are not limited to: remaining under the direct control of the user at all times; be house broken; and be trained and utilized for a specific disability approved by ADA regulations. Service animals are approved for use only on trails designated for hiking and open roadways. Persons using service animals shall obey all permanent or temporary closures of terrain, trails, roads and other portions within ASC’s operational boundaries. With the exception of the use of service dogs on the Silver Queen Gondola at Aspen Mountain and the Elk Camp Gondola at Snowmass, the use of service animals on ski lifts and mountain biking trails directly conflicts with ASC’s safety requirements for the reasonably safe operation of on-slope activities and is forbidden. These safety concerns include the use of service animals on the slopes that expose Guests to safety hazards. These safety concerns are compounded by ASC’s large volume of trail use. These safety requirements are based on actual risks and are not intended to be discriminatory in any way.