Regular off-season day

Yes, this is a bit more like it. Sure, we've gotten some snow up high, but no one should be deluded into thinking that we're really all that close to ski season. It is just another normal, pleasant off-season day here in the valley, with work being done to get the hill in shape. Nothing wrong with that, especially as it is rare to see a snowflake in town much before Nov. 1, when snowmaking on Aspen Mountain is scheduled to begin. In addition to today's little bulldozing session down the middle of Nell, there is lots of work going on at the base of the mountain, just off the slopes. Roofers are scrambling over the top of the Little Nell, where the snowmelting system is being replaced. And the facade of the North of Nell building is also getting an upgrade. The base area should be looking sharp by ski season, which is still over seven weeks away. Patience, grasshopper, patience...