Springtime in the Rockies gets new meaning with today's announcement that Aspen Skiing Company, with the start of summer operations, will open the top of Aspen Mountain for skiing and riding on Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26. The base depth of 53 inches on top will enable the mountain to open 21 runs and nearly 130 acres of intermediate and advanced terrain, served by the Ajax Express chairlift. The Silver Queen Gondola will operate from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., with last ride down at 4:30 p.m. for regular summer operations. The Ajax Express chairlift will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
2013-14 passholders can score lift tickets for just $18 (Aspen/Snowmass Premier and 6-and-under passholders ride free). The unwashed masses can score tickets for $36, ages 13 and up; kids 4-12 are $24. Those who prefer to enjoy a view from the summit, rather than skiing it, get 10-percent off sightseeing tickets, which are reduced to $17 per ride.
If you don't feel like hauling out all that gear you've packed away for the season, Four-Mountain Sports, located at 520 E Durant Street, is offering half-off the day rate on rentals. Over snow for the year? There's no shortage of hiking and biking options- just be sure to do your homework first and makes sure trails are open.
Since you'll ostensibly work up an appetite schussing the late-spring slopes, The Sundeck restaurant and Ajax Tavern will also be open, as well as these places, and Annette's Mountain Bake Shop (best sammies in town!).
· Food Tours and Something Called 'Leave the Boys Behind' Comes to Aspen [Curbed Ski Archives]
· Live the High Life in CO Ski Towns: Rent Pot-Friendly Lodging [Curbed Ski Archives]