With the recent federal government shutdown closing the road to Aspen’s Maroon Bells, Aspen Skiing Company has announced that it will run the Silver Queen Gondola on Aspen Mountain for free this coming weekend, allowing guests to take in the amazing fall scenery.

Press Release, Aspen/Snowmass, CO, October 3, 2013:

The Silver Queen Gondola on Aspen Mountain will be free to the public this weekend, the final weekend of summer operations. With the recent federal government shutdown closing the road to the Maroon Bells near Aspen, Aspen Skiing Company has decided to run the gondola for free so guests can access the amazing views and peaking fall foliage.

“The Bells may be closed but the bucket’s open,” said Rich Burkley, vice president of mountain operations, Aspen Skiing Company. 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 Silver Queen gondola is a scenic 14-minute ride over an explosion of fall colors to the top of Aspen Mountain. The Sundeck will remain open for food and drinks, and there will be live music on Sunday with the Goodman band. The gondola will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6. Four-Mountain Sports will also be open for bike rentals for those that had their heart set on a trip to the Maroon Bells this weekend. For more information visit https://www.aspensnowmass.com/now.