The lower part of Aspen Mountain was closed for a big chunk of Thursday. Aspen Skiing Company did avalanche control work early that morning morning, causing several unusually large slides in the “dumps” on Ajax. So much snow came down, Ski Co. says it took until mid afternoon to clear off the run leading to Kleenex Corner, as well as the intersection of Spar and Copper. Skiers and boarders had to download on the gondola for most of the day. This is possibly the first time that kind of closure has happened in decades.
On Wednesday, the Ski Co. closed 30% of its terrain across three mountains due to avalanche concerns. The expansive avalanches Thursday were caused by at least four nights without freezing temperatures. Melting snow gets heavier and can slide more easily. The Ski Co. says if last night also did not go below freezing, there likely will be more avalanche control work this morning. Today is the first day of spring.