The four Aspen Skiing Co. ski areas fell short of 100 inches of snow for January, but skiers and snowboarders were still treated to a superb month.

Snowmass ended the month with 87 inches of snow, according to Aspen Skiing Co. records, while Aspen Highlands was right behind at 86 inches. Aspen Mountain reported 78 inches, while Buttermilk reaped 57 inches, Skico said.

It looked like the 100-inch barrier was going to be topped when snow fell on 23 of the first 26 days of the month. The snow stopped falling Jan. 27, and the last five days of the month were dry.

Skico spokesman Jeff Hanle said the snowfall boosted season-pass use and attracted overnight visitors.

“Momentum carried on from the end of the holiday period and we were strong across all categories,” Hanle said.

Out-of-towners were blown away by the snow conditions, as well, as evidenced when an elementary school-aged boy told his father at the Snowmass base Sunday, “This place is the best, Dad.”

The weather was wet in the Roaring Fork Valley floor, as well. The Aspen-Pitkin County Airport collected 2.10 inches of precipitation in January. The normal amount for the month is 1.21 inches. View Article