Shenk: Guiding through growth, balancing character

It is with 100% certainty that I can say not a single bluebird day has gone unnoticed or unappreciated by me in the 17 winters that I have been a Snowmass Mountain ambassador. I still get excited standing atop High Alpine surrounded by a group of visitors waiting for me to guide them around the slopes. Among the stories I always tell is the incredible discovery at Ziegler Reservoir — when Ice Age animals roamed Snowmass long before we did. Each time I share that particular slice of history, I have a renewed appreciation for our community’s distinctive tapestry.

I know I’m not alone in feeling nostalgic for the old days, some of which are not even that old. I miss being greeted by the Gordon family when I walk into Gwyn’s after a long mountain tour, or catching up with longtime locals at Aspen Sports when I put my skis away. These faces and places have shaped who we are and will always be an integral part of our town’s fabric. But Snowmass Village is more than just its past; it requires work to preserve that legacy while simultaneously building our future. It’s a balance that must be constantly maintained.

Snowmass deserves leaders who are unafraid to ask tough questions, including of developers, and explore creative solutions. It can be challenging to maintain a healthy balance between history and progress, comfort and change. We need to be confident our decisions serve everyone’s best interests. As a council, we have to actively work together, listen to one another earnestly, and, most importantly, seek out different voices in the community. Our commitment to the outside — including trails and recreational opportunities — needs to stay firm, and we need to remain good environmental stewards by meeting our carbon reduction targets. The local economy needs to be well-positioned to thrive in a new climate reality.

My deep love for our little mountain community along with my experience on the Town Council over the past decade have given me incredible perspective and insight, ultimately preparing me to take on the role of mayor, which is why I’m asking for your support. It’s not just about preserving what once was but also ensuring our community continues to grow thoughtfully. My work on council has specifically been instrumental in the approval of the connectivity plan, promoting safer and more efficient travel around the village; establishing short-term rental regulations and guidelines; the adoption of the housing master plan; the approval of four workforce housing projects and other key housing opportunities; and updated workforce housing regulations. We hired a new town attorney to provide seamless and efficient support within our town departments, reinvigorated the Snowmass Ice Age Discovery, and implemented the Town Park Master Plan. Additionally, the relationships I’ve built with other municipal leaders while chairing the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments and serving on the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority Board of Directors have proved invaluable as our mountain town communities embrace connection and change together.

I grew up in a small, close-knit town and spent Friday nights at the same pizza place my dad went as a teenager. I understand the value of community, the strength of shared traditions, and the importance of staying connected even as we grow. Snowmass Village deserves leadership that embraces these values. It’s joyful for me to watch Snowmass evolving into a place where people across generations feel increasingly connected. The sight of residents and visitors walking, running, and biking around the village — now with safer and more accessible pathways — fills me with pride. The laughter of children and parents at the Base Village ice rink, the fountains, or under the stars during an outdoor movie screening is a vibrancy we can all cherish. The Ice Age Passport walk adds another dimension to the experience, reminding us how far we’ve come while honoring the natural wonders around us.

Snowmass faces critical initiatives in the coming years. We’ll continue addressing the workforce housing crisis, tackling much-needed infrastructure improvements in areas such as our roadways, the Little Red Schoolhouse, and the Snowmass Center, and preparing for the potential redevelopment of the mall combined with new transit opportunities.

I’m ready to guide us through responsible growth that balances the character of Snowmass while adapting to our future needs. Together, we can ensure that Snowmass Village remains a place where old and new live together harmoniously and every resident feels connected, valued, and heard.

Alyssa Shenk is running for Mayor of Snowmass Village. Please visit alyssashenk.com for more information.