parks
Helicopter operations to close Aspen’s Silver Queen Gondola Thursday
By River Stingray Follow
rstingray@aspentimes.com at Aspen Times
· July 8, 2026
· 2 min read
Helicopter operations are scheduled for Thursday, July 9, on Aspen Mountain as construction continues for the new Nell Bell chairlift, closing the Silver Queen Gondola and almost all hiking trails for the day.
Flight operations will run from 7 a.m. until approximately 8:30 p.m., according to a...
Key takeaway If the work is not completed on Thursday, helicopter operations will resume Friday, July 10.
Why this matters in Aspen News
The closure of the Silver Queen Gondola and hiking trails on Aspen Mountain due to helicopter operations for the new Nell Bell chairlift construction will undoubtedly impact locals and visitors alike who rely on the mountain for recreation. With the construction scheduled to continue through summer 2026, residents can expect periodic disruptions to their outdoor activities. The investment in the new high-speed detachable quad lift, however, promises to enhance the Aspen Mountain experience, providing unprecedented base-to-mountain access. This upgrade will likely be a boon for the local economy, particularly during the winter season when skiing and snowboarding draw large crowds to the area. As the construction progresses, it will be worth monitoring how the city balances the needs of residents, visitors, and the environment, especially given the potential for increased traffic and strain on local resources.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: parks ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Helicopter operations are scheduled for Thursday, July 9, on Aspen Mountain as construction continues for the new Nell Bell chairlift, closing the Silver Queen Gondola and almost all hiking trails for the day.
Flight operations will run from 7 a.m. until approximately 8:30 p.m., according to a...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by River Stingray Follow
rstingray@aspentimes.com at 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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