Aspen Mountain reopens following fire-related closure
Sundeck remains closed until further notice
A kitchen fire at Aspen Mountain’s Sundeck halted mountain operations on Thursday morning, Aspen One confirmed.
No injuries were reported, and responders controlled the burn by 9:17 a.m. Lifts and operations were closed for about 90 minutes during the morning response until around 10:30 a.m., after safety sweeps were completed. No smoke or damage to the building was visible via livestream web camera from the top of the mountain.
“We would like to express our gratitude for the swift and professional response of Aspen Mountain Ski Patrol and the Aspen Fire Department,” Aspen One said in a prepared statement. “The safety of our employees and guests is our highest priority.”
Smoke at the Sundeck was reported at 7:27 a.m. Thursday to Pitkin County Emergency Dispatch. Aspen Ski Patrol responded first to the fire, evacuating the structure. Aspen Fire and Roaring Fork Fire Rescue sent crews up the gondola and to the top of the mountain via Aspen Snowmass-provided snowcat, according to Scott Arthur, who served as Aspen Fire’s public information officer during the incident.
“An outstanding job was done by Aspen Snowmass employees, as well as their whole operation to get our people up there,” Aspen Fire Chief Jake Andersen said in a press release.
Responders ultimately discovered fire within a wall of the structure, tearing it open.
“What little fire found was extinguished,” Arthur said.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Sundeck “remains closed at this time,” according to the release. Aspen One on Thursday directed guests to Bonnie’s Restaurant and the Ajax Tavern for food services, as well as the Gondola Plaza for facilities.
Nineteen total firefighters responded to the incident from Aspen Fire and Roaring Fork Fire Rescue. Five investigators also responded to the scene from Aspen Fire, Roaring Fork Fire Rescue and the Glenwood Springs Fire Department.
“We would like to express our gratitude for the swift and professional response of Aspen Mountain Ski Patrol and the Aspen Fire Department,” Aspen Skiing Company CEO Geoff Buchheister said, adding that safety is the company’s top priority.
Aspen Fire thanked SkiCo, the Roaring Fork Fire Rescue, Glenwood Springs Fire Department, Emergency Dispatch, Aspen Ambulance and the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, according to the release.
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Skyler Stark-Ragsdale can be reached at 970-429-9152 or email him at sstark-ragsdale@aspentimes.com.
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