Helicopter operations to close Aspen gondola, hiking trails on Monday

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.

“The new Nell Bell lift represents a significant investment in the Aspen Mountain experience and will debut for the Winter 2026/27 season,” the release reads. “The new chairlift will replace the Bell Mountain (1957) and Little Nell (1986) lifts with a single high-speed detachable quad, running from Gondola Plaza to the top of Bell Mountain and providing unprecedented base-to-mountain access.”

The Silver Queen Gondola will be closed during the morning flight operations and is expected to open for sightseeing access after flight operations are completed, with an estimated time of approximately 1:30 p.m. The Sundeck will be open for ice cream and grab-and-go items once the Silver Queen Gondola is operating, the release confirms, but mountaintop yoga on Aspen Mountain will be canceled for the day.

All hiking on Aspen Mountain will be diverted to the Ute Trail, with no other hiking trails open on June 22. Aspen Mountain Summer Road will be closed from Aspen Alps to the top of Bell Mountain, along with the private road from the Shadow Mountain Lift. 

Nell Bell lift construction will continue through summer 2026. 

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“Additional helicopter dates and logistics will be shared in advance, with operational impacts communicated a few days ahead of each flight date,” the release reads. “Guests are encouraged to plan their Aspen Mountain visits accordingly and follow all on-mountain trail closure signage.” 

Information about the auction of the old chairlifts will be shared soon.