parks
Helicopter operations to close Aspen gondola, hiking trails on Monday
By Aspen Times
· June 19, 2026
· 1 min read
Helicopter operations have been scheduled for Monday, June 22, on Aspen Mountain in order to continue the construction of the new Nell Bell chairlift, set to debut this coming winter season.
Flight operations will run from 7 a.m. until approximately 1:30 p.m., according to a press release.
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Key takeaway Helicopter operations have been scheduled for Monday, June 22, on Aspen Mountain in order to continue the construction of the new Nell Bell chairlift, set to debut this coming winter season.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The helicopter operations on Aspen Mountain will undoubtedly cause some disruptions for locals and visitors alike, particularly those who had planned to hike or take in the views from the Silver Queen Gondola on Monday. However, the end result of the construction will be a significant upgrade to the skiing experience on Aspen Mountain, with the new Nell Bell chairlift providing faster and more efficient access to the top of Bell Mountain. This investment in the mountain's infrastructure is a boon for the local economy, which relies heavily on winter tourism. As the construction continues through the summer, residents and visitors can expect periodic closures and disruptions, but the payoff will be worth it when the new lift debuts this winter. The diversion of hiking trails to the Ute Trail also serves as a reminder to check for up-to-date trail information before heading out, especially during construction season.
About this story
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Category: parks ·
Published: June 19, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Helicopter operations have been scheduled for Monday, June 22, on Aspen Mountain in order to continue the construction of the new Nell Bell chairlift, set to debut this coming winter season.
Flight operations will run from 7 a.m. until approximately 1:30 p.m., according to a press release.
...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 19, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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