Overnight storm drops 10 inches of snow atop Aspen Mountain to help with Saturday’s opening day

Crews work to clear the Aspen pedestrian mall Friday morning after the overnight snow.
David Krause / The Aspen Times

Opening day got a little sweeter as an overnight snowstorm dropped 10 inches of snow at the top of Aspen Mountain, and the snow is expected to continue Friday morning before tapering off.

Aspen Skiing Co. announced earlier this week that Ajax would open Saturday along with Snowmass.

Officials said if a storm dropped about 6 inches or more, the top of Aspen Mountain could open for top-to-bottom skiing. An update from Skico could come later Friday.

Skico announced earlier this week it would open 75 acres of terrain on Aspen Mountain and 60 acres at Snowmass. That could change after the latest storm. Skico announced 10 inches at Aspen Mountain and 8 inches at Snowmass.

The National Weather Service extended its winter weather advisory until noon Friday.

Another winter storm is expected to come in Monday with 4 to 8 inches of snow predicted.

Flights in and out of Aspen airport were canceled or delayed Friday morning. Travelers should check the airport’s website, aspenairport.com, or with their carriers for updates.

There were a number of slide-offs during the morning commute that kept law enforcement and tow-truck drivers busy.

This story is a developing story that will be updated.

via:: The Aspen Times