Aspen Gondola to Run for Free This Weekend

With the government shutdown closing down access to the picturesque Maroon Bells during peak leaf-peeping, Aspen Skiing Co. is offering free rides on the Silver Queen Gondola this weekend so that people can still enjoy the fall foliage.

“The Bells may be closed but the bucket’s open,” says Rich Burkley, vice president of mountain operations for SkiCo. “We know people come to Colorado from all over the world this time of year to see the stunning scenery and with the road closure and the difficulty of access for many people, this gives our guests a chance to view forests blanketed in gold and crimson from the summit of Aspen Mountain. We are hopeful for a quick resolution as we know many in our community and around the country are negatively affected by the shutdown.”

The gondola takes riders up more than 3,000 vertical feet from Aspen to the Sundeck. It will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6. For more information visit Aspen/Snowmass.