With the closing of Aspen, Snowmass, Highlands, and Buttermilk, it is obvious that the long winter is finally making way to a beautiful spring and summer. Although Aspen and Snowmass had their official closing days, the two mountains have extended their season and will remain open for the next two weekends.

Sunday April 6, Buttermilk Mountain closed for the public to make way for the Redbull athlete training camp taking place on the mountains half pipe and park. Although many are upset about the closing, they are also excited for the warm weather to begin.

“I’m sad I won’t be able to go to the park anymore at my favorite mountain but I’m definitely ready for summertime,” AHS senior Justin Dahlberg said. “It has been an amazing season so I hope next year will be even better.”

On Sunday, April 13, skiers and riders bid farewell to Highlands Mountain with a party, setting off fireworks on the top of the Bowl and wearing their most retro skiwear. The day’s forecast was slightly gloomy, but everyone made the most of the closing day festivities.

“Closing day was a party like always! I hiked the Bowl and at the top there were people setting off fireworks, blasting boom boxes, and drinking champagne. There is nothing like the spirit of Highlands,” AHS junior Bentley Rager said.

Sunday, April 20, the closing day for Aspen Mountain and Snowmass, was full of fun and festivities, although the conditions on Snowmass were definitely showing it was time for the season to be over. The closing day celebration on Snowmass took place at the bottom of the park with an exciting pond skim and people grilling burgers. The energy was very crazy with everyone celebrating for closing day.

“There were a lot of crazy people in crazy costumes and everyone was very excited to be celebrating on the mountain,” AHS senior Sophie Stuber said.

The party aside, the conditions on Snowmass Mountain were not ones to be celebrated.

“The atmosphere on Snowmass’ closing day was extremely lively and fun but the skiing was far from fun. It was slushy and wet, but thankfully the rest of the season was perfect,” AHS sophomore Zoe Starensier said.

Besides these past couple weeks, the skiing on all four of our mountains was spectacular.

“It has been one of the best seasons yet! We got a ton of snow early in the season so it made for a nice base,” Rager said. “By the time the tourists came through, the conditions were still in good shape with lots of powder.”