Long gone are the days of being disconnected, even when one is on the side of an 11,000 foot mountain. The expectation of having mobile access to the internet seems to be growing more common, as people seem less willing to wait to check their email or post their Instagram. Being connected is becoming more integral to daily life.

If you’ve spent much time exploring Colorado, you’ve probably realized that the cellular connection isn’t great around many of the state’s destinations, including most ski resorts. In attempt to satisfy recent customer complaints, Aspen has decided to amp up the wi-fi availability on their slopes.

The first step toward completing this objective was the addition of fiber optic cables to the infrastructure of major chairlifts and gondolas, providing wi-fi access in the areas around several high-altitude buildings such as the Elk Camp Restaurant. This fiber optic network  will also allow cell phone companies to improve their coverage on the mountain if they’re willing to pay to play.

This effort may sound simple, but it won’t be cheap. According to an Aspen Times interview with Skico vice president of technology, John Lilley, “it’s north of a seven-figure investment.”

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