Top 5 most-read stories last week

Stories in this list received the most page views on aspentimes.com from May 19- May 26:

1. Over 20 Aspen businesses plan to shut down in some capacity for 2027 airport closure

Aspen Chamber Resort Association presented to the Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority Board on Wednesday on potential impacts to the workforce during the 2027 Aspen/Pitkin County Airport closure to help guide initial conversations about waiving required work hours for employee housing.

The Airport Modernization project is anticipated to shut down the county airport from April to November 2027 in order to redesign the terminal and upgrade the runway. With the closure comes an anticipated significant decrease in business — one that could cause employers to adjust hiring and hours accordingly.

“We’re looking ahead at meaningful reduction in hours for the people who live and work here,” ACRA Member Services Manager Savannah Grant said.

-River Stingray 

2. Climber rescued on Maroon Peak after falling 1,000 feet

An injured climber was successfully rescued on Friday, May 22, after falling approximately 1,000 feet while ascending the Bell Cord snowfield on Maroon Peak.

The climber sustained several non-life threatening injuries, according to a press release.

“For what he fell, he was very lucky to have as few injuries as he had,” said Parker Lathrop, chief deputy of operations for the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office.

-River Stingray 

3. Independence Pass to open for summer season on Thursday

Independence Pass will open on schedule for the 2026 season at noon on Thursday, May 21.

The Colorado Department of Transportation will allow vehicles on the seasonal portion of Colorado Highway 82 following the completion of the road’s annual maintenance projects. While snowpack for the area was significantly lower than years past, it allowed CDOT crews to replace damaged guardrails, fill potholes, resurface areas where the road was heaved up, trim back overgrown bushes, remove downed trees and clear rockfall from the roadway and drainages to enable proper water drainage, according to a press release. 

“The annual opening of Independence Pass signifies the winter to summer weather transition and allows commuters to take advantage of this beautiful stretch of pure Colorado roadway,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew in the release.  “Our maintenance team worked diligently to ensure the necessary repairs were made so drivers can travel the pass safely. We remind drivers to use caution, especially on the narrow portions of this roadway, and to be attuned to other drivers and wildlife.”

-Staff report

4. Aspen Airport nears enabling work phase

Progress is continuing on schedule for the modernization of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, with preliminary construction anticipated to begin in July.

Steps are currently being made toward the enabling work, meaning the work that needs to be done to facilitate construction in 2027, according to Ryan Mahoney, the Pitkin County deputy county manager. G.R. Fielding, the airfield program manager, also noted in the Aspen Airport Advisory Board meeting on Thursday that planning for enabling work reached 90% completion on Friday, and planning for the airfield itself has reached 60%.

Planning stages usually follow metrics of 30%, 60% and 90% completion. According to Fielding, when plans exceed 90% completion, they can be submitted for permitting. 

-Beau Toepfer

5. Momo’s Chinese brings fresh, affordable take-out to Basalt 

Award-winning chef Sandy Dee Hall’s dream of owning a restaurant in the Roaring Fork Valley came to life two weeks ago when he opened Momo’s Chinese in Basalt. 

The restaurant’s name and branding were inspired by Hall’s husky, Momo. Looking for a change from city life, the two moved from New York City to the valley nine months ago.

“I came to the valley because I wanted a different life than what I had in New York for myself and Momo,” Hall said. “After driving through the area, I fell in love with it.”

-Sonia Alizadeh