SAM Magazine-Aspen, Colo., June 9, 2008-Aspen Skiing Company will open the top of Aspen Mountain for skiing this weekend, June 13-15. The top of the mountain still sports three feet of snow as the traditional summer operating season begins. The resort will offer seven runs and about 45 acres of mostly intermediate terrain served by the Ajax Express chairlift, accessed by uploading and downloading on the Silver Queen Gondola. Skiing and riding will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"We are a skiing company," said Mike Kaplan, Aspen president and CEO. "We have the unique opportunity to offer skiing and riding as we open for our summer season, and we thought it would be a great way to have some fun and once again thank the community for all their support."

"It's your typical early summer conditions," quipped Rich Burkley, vice president mountain operations, "better than a glacier, but not as good as a powder day. It will certainly be fun, and is the perfect excuse for having a beer or two at the Sundeck. If you've got it, ski it."

Aspen/Snowmass Premier, Silver and 6-and-under passholders have free access for the three days. All other Aspen/Snowmass passholders pay a discounted rate of $12 to $19; single-day tickets are $18 to $29. For those who need gear, Aspen-owned the Four-Mountain Sports/D&E Ski & Snowboard Shop will be offer $25 ski/snowboard rentals at their Aspen location from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

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