{"id":2443676,"date":"2019-05-02T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-05-02T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/?p=305054"},"modified":"2019-05-02T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2019-05-02T06:00:00","slug":"an-ikonic-winter-for-aspen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/local-news\/an-ikonic-winter-for-aspen\/","title":{"rendered":"An Ikonic winter for Aspen"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"swift-gallery\" readability=\"6.9544088176353\">\n<ul id=\"imageGallery-305054-984\" class=\"gallery list-unstyled\">\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-1-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-1.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Skiers and snowboarders wait in line at the Exhibition lift at Aspen Highlands for opening day on Dec. 1, 2018.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"7\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"Skiers and snowboarders wait in line at the Exhibition lift at Aspen Highlands for opening day on Dec. 1, 2018.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>Skiers and snowboarders wait in line at the Exhibition lift at Aspen Highlands for opening day on Dec. 1, 2018.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-2-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-2.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Rolf Fraser heads up Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 for opening day.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"7.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-2.jpg\" alt=\"Rolf Fraser heads up Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 for opening day.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"10\">\n<p><strong>Rolf Fraser heads up Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 for opening day.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-3-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-3.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Skis and snowboards line the fence at the Aspen Highland's Ale House on Saturday for opening day Dec. 1, 2018.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"7\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-3.jpg\" alt=\"Skis and snowboards line the fence at the Aspen Highland's Ale House on Saturday for opening day Dec. 1, 2018.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>Skis and snowboards line the fence at the Aspen Highland&#8217;s Ale House on Saturday for opening day Dec. 1, 2018.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-4-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-4.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/Snowmass Sun | Snowmass Ski Patroller Elizabeth Paradis skis down a run on Snowmass Mountain on her day off on Dec. 20, 2018.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"7\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-4.jpg\" alt=\"Snowmass Ski Patroller Elizabeth Paradis skis down a run on Snowmass Mountain on her day off on Dec. 20, 2018.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>Snowmass Ski Patroller Elizabeth Paradis skis down a run on Snowmass Mountain on her day off on Dec. 20, 2018.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/Snowmass Sun<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-5-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-5.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/Snowmass Sun | David Richardson, front, and Damon Giordano hike up Funnel on Snowmass Ski Resort on Dec. 20, 2018.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"8\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-5.jpg\" alt=\"David Richardson, front, and Damon Giordano hike up Funnel on Snowmass Ski Resort on Dec. 20, 2018.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"11\">\n<p><strong>David Richardson, front, and Damon Giordano hike up Funnel on Snowmass Ski Resort on Dec. 20, 2018.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/Snowmass Sun<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-6-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-6.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Alexa Falcone skis through powder on Walsh's on Aspen Mountain on April 11, 2019. 9 inches of fresh snow was reported.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"7\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-6.jpg\" alt=\"Alexa Falcone skis through powder on Walsh's on Aspen Mountain on April 11, 2019. 9 inches of fresh snow was reported.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>Alexa Falcone skis through powder on Walsh&#8217;s on Aspen Mountain on April 11, 2019. 9 inches of fresh snow was reported.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-7-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-7.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/Snowmass Sun | Alex Lorenz snowboards through fresh powder on Snowmass Mountain on Feb. 23.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"6.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-7.jpg\" alt=\"Alex Lorenz snowboards through fresh powder on Snowmass Mountain on Feb. 23.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>Alex Lorenz snowboards through fresh powder on Snowmass Mountain on Feb. 23.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/Snowmass Sun<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-8-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-8.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Michele Lohman gets air in the Cirque Dikes at Snowmass Mountain on Saturday. 5 inches of fresh snow was reported overnight. on Saturday. 5 inches of fresh snow was reported overnight.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"7\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-8.jpg\" alt=\"Michele Lohman gets air in the Cirque Dikes at Snowmass Mountain on Saturday. 5 inches of fresh snow was reported overnight. on Saturday. 5 inches of fresh snow was reported overnight.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>Michele Lohman gets air in the Cirque Dikes at Snowmass Mountain on Saturday. 5 inches of fresh snow was reported overnight. on Saturday. 5 inches of fresh snow was reported overnight.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-9-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-9.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Colter Hinchliffe hits Boyd's Bump on Bell Mountain on Ajax for closing day April 21, 2019.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"7\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-9.jpg\" alt=\"Colter Hinchliffe hits Boyd's Bump on Bell Mountain on Ajax for closing day April 21, 2019.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>Colter Hinchliffe hits Boyd&#8217;s Bump on Bell Mountain on Ajax for closing day April 21, 2019.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-10-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-10.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Aspen Mountain on April 12, 2019.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"6.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-10.jpg\" alt=\"Aspen Mountain on April 12, 2019.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>Aspen Mountain on April 12, 2019.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-11-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-11.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Kyle King slashes the slushy snow on Aspen Highlands in Aspen, CO on April 9, 2019.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"7.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-11.jpg\" alt=\"Kyle King slashes the slushy snow on Aspen Highlands in Aspen, CO on April 9, 2019.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"10\">\n<p><strong>Kyle King slashes the slushy snow on Aspen Highlands in Aspen, CO on April 9, 2019.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-12-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-12.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Henrik Lampert goes off of a jump in a hot dog costume on Ajax on March 6, 2019 as part of the Freeskier Magazine demo week.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"7\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-12.jpg\" alt=\"Henrik Lampert goes off of a jump in a hot dog costume on Ajax on March 6, 2019 as part of the Freeskier Magazine demo week.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>Henrik Lampert goes off of a jump in a hot dog costume on Ajax on March 6, 2019 as part of the Freeskier Magazine demo week.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-13-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-13.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | A skier hits a jump under the Ajax Express on March 6, 2019.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"6.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-13.jpg\" alt=\"A skier hits a jump under the Ajax Express on March 6, 2019.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>A skier hits a jump under the Ajax Express on March 6, 2019.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-14-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-14.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Travis Andrews skis through powder off of Temerity on Aspen Highlands on March 8.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"6.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-14.jpg\" alt=\"Travis Andrews skis through powder off of Temerity on Aspen Highlands on March 8.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>Travis Andrews skis through powder off of Temerity on Aspen Highlands on March 8.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-15-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-15.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Travis Andrews skis through powder on Aspen Highlands on March 8.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"6\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-15.jpg\" alt=\"Travis Andrews skis through powder on Aspen Highlands on March 8.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"7\">\n<p><strong>Travis Andrews skis through powder on Aspen Highlands on March 8.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-16-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-16.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Aspen local Doran Laybourn does a tail grab underneath\" the lift on march aspen mountain reported inches that class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"7\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-16.jpg\" alt=\"Aspen local Doran Laybourn does a tail grab underneath \" the lift on march aspen mountain reported inches that><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>Aspen local Doran Laybourn does a tail grab underneath &#8220;the couch&#8221; lift on Aspen Mountain on March 1, 2019. Aspen Mountain reported 5 inches that morning.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-17-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-17.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Skiers get ready to go up Ajax on Feb. 26, 2019.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"6.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-17.jpg\" alt=\"Skiers get ready to go up Ajax on Feb. 26, 2019.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>Skiers get ready to go up Ajax on Feb. 26, 2019.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-18-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-18.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Argentinians Clementina Crozier, right, and Eugenia Poitevin walk through the snowy Aspen, Colorado pedestrian mall on Jan. 16, 2019, on their way to ski Aspen Mountain.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"9.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-18.jpg\" alt=\"Argentinians Clementina Crozier, right, and Eugenia Poitevin walk through the snowy Aspen, Colorado pedestrian mall on Jan. 16, 2019, on their way to ski Aspen Mountain.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"14\">\n<p><strong>Argentinians Clementina Crozier, right, and Eugenia Poitevin walk through the snowy Aspen, Colorado pedestrian mall on Jan. 16, 2019, on their way to ski Aspen Mountain.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-19-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-19.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Trey Beard, 8, hits a rail in a Snowmass resort terrain park and is cheered on by Andrew Huck, 9, on March 23, 2019.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"9\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-19.jpg\" alt=\"Trey Beard, 8, hits a rail in a Snowmass resort terrain park and is cheered on by Andrew Huck, 9, on March 23, 2019.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"13\">\n<p><strong>Trey Beard, 8, hits a rail in a Snowmass resort terrain park and is cheered on by Andrew Huck, 9, on March 23, 2019.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-20-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-20.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times |\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"6\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-20.jpg\" alt><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"7\">\n<p>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-21-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-21.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Aimee Acklen and Trent Jones ride and ski through powder under the Silver Queen Gondola on Aspen Mountain on Jan. 17, 2019.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"7\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-21.jpg\" alt=\"Aimee Acklen and Trent Jones ride and ski through powder under the Silver Queen Gondola on Aspen Mountain on Jan. 17, 2019.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>Aimee Acklen and Trent Jones ride and ski through powder under the Silver Queen Gondola on Aspen Mountain on Jan. 17, 2019.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-22-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-22.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | A skier on Walsh's on Feb. 19, 2019 on Ajax.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"6.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-22.jpg\" alt=\"A skier on Walsh's on Feb. 19, 2019 on Ajax.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>A skier on Walsh&#8217;s on Feb. 19, 2019 on Ajax.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-23-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-23.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/Snowmass Sun | Jon Barstow rides through powder on a run off of High Alpine at Snowmass Resort in Colorado on Mar. 7, 2019.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"7\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-23.jpg\" alt=\"Jon Barstow rides through powder on a run off of High Alpine at Snowmass Resort in Colorado on Mar. 7, 2019.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>Jon Barstow rides through powder on a run off of High Alpine at Snowmass Resort in Colorado on Mar. 7, 2019.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/Snowmass Sun<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-24-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-24.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times |\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"6\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-24.jpg\" alt><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"7\">\n<p>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-25-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-25.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Skiers and snowboarders hike up Highland Bowl April 14, 2019.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"6.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-25.jpg\" alt=\"Skiers and snowboarders hike up Highland Bowl April 14, 2019.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>Skiers and snowboarders hike up Highland Bowl April 14, 2019.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-26-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-26.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | A group at the top of Highland Bowl for closing weekend party on April 14, 2019.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"7\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-26.jpg\" alt=\"A group at the top of Highland Bowl for closing weekend party on April 14, 2019.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>A group at the top of Highland Bowl for closing weekend party on April 14, 2019.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-27-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-27.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Michele Lohman gets air in the Cirque Dikes at Snowmass Mountain on Saturday. 5 inches of fresh snow was reported overnight. on Saturday. 5 inches of fresh snow was reported overnight.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"7\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-27.jpg\" alt=\"Michele Lohman gets air in the Cirque Dikes at Snowmass Mountain on Saturday. 5 inches of fresh snow was reported overnight. on Saturday. 5 inches of fresh snow was reported overnight.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>Michele Lohman gets air in the Cirque Dikes at Snowmass Mountain on Saturday. 5 inches of fresh snow was reported overnight. on Saturday. 5 inches of fresh snow was reported overnight.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-29-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-29.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Alexa Falcone skis through powder on Walsh's on Aspen Mountain on April 11, 2019. 9 inches of fresh snow was reported.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"7\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-29.jpg\" alt=\"Alexa Falcone skis through powder on Walsh's on Aspen Mountain on April 11, 2019. 9 inches of fresh snow was reported.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>Alexa Falcone skis through powder on Walsh&#8217;s on Aspen Mountain on April 11, 2019. 9 inches of fresh snow was reported.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-31-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-31.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/Snowmass Sun | Snowmass Ski Patroller Elizabeth Paradis skis down a run on Snowmass Mountain on her day off on Dec. 20, 2018.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"7\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-31.jpg\" alt=\"Snowmass Ski Patroller Elizabeth Paradis skis down a run on Snowmass Mountain on her day off on Dec. 20, 2018.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>Snowmass Ski Patroller Elizabeth Paradis skis down a run on Snowmass Mountain on her day off on Dec. 20, 2018.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/Snowmass Sun<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-33-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-33.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Telluride Helitrax\/courtesy photo | This photo posted on the Colorado Avalanche Information Center's website shows how the avalanche ripped down K Chutes, left, and Fiver Fingers, traveled up the east side of Conundrum Valley and threatened the house in the lower center.\" class=\"h-100\">\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\" readability=\"8.5\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.aspentimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2019\/05\/coverstory-atw-050219-1-33.jpg\" alt=\"This photo posted on the Colorado Avalanche Information Center's website shows how the avalanche ripped down K Chutes, left, and Fiver Fingers, traveled up the east side of Conundrum Valley and threatened the house in the lower center.\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"12\">\n<p><strong>This photo posted on the Colorado Avalanche Information Center&#8217;s website shows how the avalanche ripped down K Chutes, left, and Fiver Fingers, traveled up the east side of Conundrum Valley and threatened the house in the lower center.<\/strong><br \/>Telluride Helitrax\/courtesy photo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"caption-toggle\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/magazines\/aspen-times-weekly\/an-ikonic-winter-for-aspen\/#\" class=\"show-captions\">Show Captions<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/magazines\/aspen-times-weekly\/an-ikonic-winter-for-aspen\/#\" class=\"hide-captions\">Hide Captions<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">his ski season will be remembered for longer lift lines than Aspen-Snowmass skiers are used to, the invasion of the Ikoneers and snow, snow and more snow.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Snowfall totals were about 120 to 130 percent of average at Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk, according to Aspen Skiing Co. Aspen Highlands was the big winner, with 366 inches from Nov. 1 through April 28. Snowmass received 329 inches.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">It wasn\u2019t just how much it snowed that made for a great season, it was how it snowed. Instead of big dumps and then long, dry periods in between, it regularly snowed in small amount for the first two-thirds of the season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">\u201cUp through the end of February, we had the perfect timing and quantities to be skiing freshies every week,\u201d said Katie Ertl, Skico senior vice president of mountain operations. \u201cThen the 65 inches in early March \u2014 wow, that brought huge smiles and tired backs. We were all thrilled to have it snow like we remembered it could.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">The powder enticed skiers and snowboarders.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Skico Vice President of Communications Jeff Hanle said final numbers aren\u2019t known yet. It\u2019s too soon to say if any individual ski area or the company as a whole had a record season, but the total visits will compare favorably to the five- and 10-year averages. The <a id=\"N0x1c8c400N0x1abaa70:N0x1c8c400N0x1c4cd00\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/news\/local\/aspen-skiing-co-strong-out-of-the-gates-with-skier-visits\/\">season started strong<\/a> with an early opening of Aspen Mountain. Skico never looked back.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">\u201cThis is going to be a strong year that exceeds both those numbers,\u201d he said. \u201cAll the mountains had big years \u2014 way up over last year.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Ertl disclosed at an Aspen-Snowmass Rotary Club gathering in early March that local ski season-pass use had jumped 40 percent from the previous season at that point. Meanwhile, the new <a id=\"N0x1c8c400N0x1abaad0:N0x1c8c400N0x1c4ceb0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/news\/aspen-skiing-co-ikon-pass-accounts-for-9-of-visits-at-aspen-snowmass-local-pass-use-up-40\/\">Ikon Pass accounted for 9 percent<\/a> of Skico\u2019s total skier visits, with use heaviest on Fridays and Saturdays. Hanle said those trends held through the season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Alterra Mountain Co., a ski conglomerate tied to Aspen Skiing Co., is selling the Ikon Pass. The Crown family, who wholly owns Aspen Skiing Co., is a partner in Alterra.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">The full Ikon Pass offers unlimited access at 14 destinations and up to seven days at 24 additional resorts. It\u2019s good for seven days total at Skico\u2019s four ski areas. It\u2019s on sale now for $1,049.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">A less expensive Ikon Base Pass offers unlimited access to 12 resorts and five days at 26 other resorts, including Aspen-Snowmass. The pass currently costs $749.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Hanle said the Ikon unquestionably helped drive business to Aspen-Snowmass. The big unknown, he said, is whether Ikon users came to Aspen because it was such a good snow year or if they intended to come anyway and it happened to be a good snow year. In other words, will they come in droves again next season if it is an average winter for snowfall?<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">\u201cWe don\u2019t know. It\u2019s a brand-new product,\u201d Hanle acknowledged. \u201cWe thought it was a successful first-year launch. I met a lot of people who hadn\u2019t skied here before. That benefits us.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">It\u2019s a given that local skiers use their passes more when the snow is good, Hanle said. So more locals combined with new Ikoneers combined to create occasional lift lines longer than people are accustomed to.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">\u201cWe\u2019ve all gotten spoiled, including me,\u201d Hanle said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Skico officials contend the lift lines were overblown and they insisted Ikoneers shouldn\u2019t be blamed. Skico President and CEO <a id=\"N0x1c8c400N0x1abacb0:N0x1c8c400N0x1c4d450\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/opinion\/guest-commentary-aspens-mike-kaplan-great-snow-brings-skiers\/\">Mike Kaplan addressed the issue in an op-ed<\/a> piece in early March.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Going into the second season of the Ikon, Skico didn\u2019t take any steps to ease the influx of Ikon Pass users through steps such as establishing blackout dates on busy weekends. Instead, it took steps to placate some of the hometown complainers. Anyone who purchases a Premier Pass at Aspen-Snowmass will get an Ikon Pass as an added value starting next season. That will let Aspen skiers and riders invade resorts such as Jackson Hole and Alta.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Hanle said Skico is working on various means to reduce lift lines, some of which can be discussed and some that cannot at this time. Lift lines at Snowmass are typically experienced in the morning before skiers and riders spread out among the expansive 3,332 acres. Skico is looking into adjusting Ski\/Snowboard School meeting times and programming to alleviate lift line crowding. Hanle said Skico is looking into more buses and shuttles and better information about parking availability to assist customers coming to the mountains.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Vail Resorts provides an app that tells skiers and riders how long the lift lines are at its mountains. Hanle wouldn\u2019t say if Skico is working on a variation of that app.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Discussing long lift lines is opposite from this time a year ago. Aspen suffered a down season for business, largely because of below-average snowfall. That prompted Skico and other Colorado resorts to apply to the U.S. Forest Service for expanded snowmaking systems. Skico\u2019s proposal to add <a id=\"N0x1c8c400N0x1abadd0:N0x1c8c400N0x1c4d720\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/news\/pandoras-ski-terrain-lift-gets-final-federal-ok-on-aspen-mountain\/\">53 acres of snowmaking<\/a> at the top third of Aspen Mountain was approved. The company plans to start, but not complete, that expansion this summer. It will guarantee top-to-bottom skiing even in lean snow years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Skico, like much of the ski industry, faced headwinds coming into the season. Advanced reservations prior to the season were slow. Industry officials attributed it to the \u201csnow hangover\u201d effect \u2014 travelers were wary of making reservations after last season\u2019s lack of snowfall. They wanted to gauge the weather.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Skico also faced difficulties luring foreign skiers, in large part to unfavorable currency exchange rates from many top overseas markets. A loss in international business was offset by gains in domestic business, Hanle said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Aspen and Snowmass Village\u2019s lodging industry combined for an increase of 4.7 percent in paid occupancy this winter compared with last winter. March set a record for the month for paid occupancy and that helped produce a record-breaking ski season, November through April, according to Stay Aspen Snowmass, a central reservations business owned by Skico.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">The U.S. ski industry as a whole looks to improve from a lackluster season in 2017-18. Cumulative ski visits were on a rollercoaster over the past decade \u2014 from a high of 60.54 million in 2010-11 to a low of 50.97 million a season later. The 10-year average is 55.64 million. In fact, the 2018-19 season was the fourth-best ever for the U.S. ski industry, racking up more than 59 million visits nationwide.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Above-average snow in many parts of the country indicates it should be a strong year for the industry.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">\u201cI think we\u2019ll see some solid numbers in terms of visitation this season,\u201d said Adrienne Isaac, marketing and communications director for Denver-based National Ski Areas Association.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">Preliminary numbers will be released next week during NSAA\u2019s national convention.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">When asked if the ski industry\u2019s health is simply dependent on snowfall, Isaac replied that snow is definitely the primary driver of visitation, though too much can deter or prevent skiers from hitting or reaching the slopes because of factors such as road closures.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">\u201cOverall, the industry is healthy,\u201d Isaac said via email. \u201cBut there is a need for growth in the industry, especially as baby boomers age out of the sport.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">NSAA\u2019s Growth Committee and its members are working on ways to grow the sport. Indications are that mega-resort ski passes are helping draw people into the sport and onto the slopes more often.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Body_Serif\">In Aspen, the ski season officially ended Sunday on a final day of the extended season at Aspen Highlands. But that might not be the end. Skico still says it will assess conditions for possible skiing on Aspen Mountain for Memorial Day Weekend. That would be a cherry on top of an epic season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Special Sections-ATW-ATW_Shirttail\"><a href=\"mailto:scondon@aspentimes.com\">scondon@aspentimes.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspentimes.com\/magazines\/aspen-times-weekly\/an-ikonic-winter-for-aspen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">via:: The Aspen Times<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Skiers and snowboarders wait in line at the Exhibition lift at Aspen Highlands for opening day on Dec. 1, 2018.Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times Rolf Fraser heads up Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 for opening day.Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times Skis and snowboards line the fence at the Aspen Highland&#8217;s Ale House [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-2443676","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-local-news"},"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-06-17 14:36:12","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"KSPN The Valley&#039;s Quality Rock","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2443676","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2443676"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2443676\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2443676"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2443676"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kspn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2443676"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}