1970’s & 80’s

The entrance was a rather non-descript flight of stairs to the lower level.  This location had been a restaurant or bar for years.  Some of the earlier tenants included The Woodlander, once owned by Jim Blanning.  Alice’s Alley and Jake’s Alley were both former establishments as well.  Now it was “The Slope” not to be confused with the ski hills. “The Slope” bar was also located in Vail and Breckenridge over the years or maybe at the same time.

The Slope had a long bar down the left side of the room with more seating beyond that.  The rest of The Slope included five or six carpeted tiers with lots of pillows.  From the tiers you could comfortably lie down and watch whatever movie or show was on the big screen at the far end of the room.   The local teenagers were permitted to come watch the movies or cartoons during the day but had to leave around 5:00PM when the skiers were coming off the hills.  During the summers they were permitted to stay a little longer.  There was always fresh popcorn in the “Trolley.” 

I remember well watching the old Gulliver’s Travels movies, Road Runner cartoons and the infamous and hilariously funny, Bambi Meets Godzilla.  The first time I ever saw “The Golden Voyage of Sinbad” was with friends at The Slope.  This was also the place which provided Warren Miller’s early films extensive local viewings.   I think one or two of his premiers were held at The Slope as well.

By the time I was old enough to drink The Slope’s run was nearly over; but, I do remember a few trips home from college, meeting up with my old high school friends for a chance to catch up.  The place is long gone now but if you ask anyone who lived in Aspen in the 1970’s they will have a story to tell about time spent at “The Slope.”