Why aren’t the chairlifts running, Mr. O’Donnell?

Just exactly why the Aspen Skiing Co. decided not to run the ski lifts for season-pass holders today remains unanswered. All four mountains picked up a few inches of fresh snow yesterday, with half a foot collecting at the top of Snowmass. Sure it’s a bit rocky, but that’s no excuse. Skico’s director of communications, Jeff Hanle, initially avoided the question Monday, but the truth eventually leaked out. “We’re taking up an elite crew of Skico executives for first tracks,” he said.As for the rest of the riff-raff: “That’s why God made skins and strong lungs.” Steve Benson’s e-mail address is sbenson@aspentimes.com