Aspen, CO – Aspen Skiing Company announced today that it will open the top of Aspen Mountain for skiing and riding on Memorial Day Weekend, May 28-30, and possibly beyond on weekends only as conditions allow. Heavy spring snowfall and cool temperatures have left the top of the mountain covered in snow as the traditional summer operating season begins.

With a base depth of 71 inches up top, the mountain will open with 25 runs and 136 acres of mostly intermediate terrain, served by the Ajax Express chairlift.  Aspen Powder Tours will also be open offering powder and corn skiing tours on the back of Aspen Mountain.

Skiing and riding will be from the 11,212-foot summit with uploading and downloading on the Silver Queen Gondola from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily with the last ride down at 4:30 p.m. Skiing and riding will be open from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Ajax Express chairlift. The Sundeck restaurant and Ajax Tavern will be open for dining and beverages.

“We haven’t had summer conditions this good since 2008,” quipped Rich Burkley, vice president mountain operations. “We figure that if we open for skiing maybe it will quit snowing. We encourage everyone to go up and make a few turns then jump on your bike, hit the trails or swing the golf club. It’s certainly a unique opportunity to enjoy everything the valley has to offer.”

Aspen/Snowmass Premier, Premier Silver and 6-and-under passholders are free ride free with their 2010-11 winter passes.  All other Aspen/Snowmass passholders pay a discounted rate for skiing and riding; adult and senior passholders (age 18-69) pay $19, senior passholders (age 70+) pay $15, youth passholders (age 13-17) pay $13 and child season passholders (age 4-12) pay $10. Adult (age 18-69) single day tickets for skiing and riding will be $32 per day, youth (age 13-17) and seniors (age 70+) will pay $25 and children’s (age 4-12) tickets will be $15. Tickets will be sold at the Aspen Mountain ticket kiosk on Gondola Plaza from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Regular summer rates will be in effect for foot passengers.

Four-Mountain Sports (520 east Durant) will be open for $25 ski/snowboard rentals from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.