Stories in this list received the most page views on SummitDaily.com from April 12-18.

1. I-70 reopens following 70-vehicle pile-up Tuesday evening

Interstate 70 eastbound reopened after an hours-long closure due to a multiple vehicle incident earlier Tuesday evening.

Colorado State Patrol stated in a news release that the most current estimates show around 70 vehicles were involved in the incident, and 19 people were assessed for injuries. Eleven of them declined transportation, and eight were transported to area hospitals. One person had serious bodily injuries.

Westbound I-70 was briefly closed at the tunnels for an unrelated incident, according to the release, that involved a pickup truck and trailer that jack-knifed.

— Summit Daily staff

2. Nearly 2,000 ski instructors have joined lawsuit against Vail Resorts

Consent forms filed in federal court on Friday show that nearly 2,000 ski and snowboard instructors have joined a collective action against Vail Resorts. The litigants allege the company violated the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The case, Quint et al. v. Vail Resorts, Inc., alleges Vail Resorts failed to properly compensate snowsports instructors for required job duties. According to the official litigation website, plaintiffs claim employees were not paid for “off-the-clock” work, including time spent traveling between job sites, putting on and removing equipment, and attending training sessions.

The lawsuit also alleges that instructors were not reimbursed for necessary job expenses such as ski equipment and work-related cell phone use, and will attempt to recoup those expenses from the company for employees. 

Vail Resorts has denied all allegations, maintaining it has complied with wage laws and properly paid its employees.

— John LaConte

3. Breckenridge Ski Resort announces 2025-26 closing day, while Copper Mountain Resort extends

On the same day Copper Mountain Resort announced it will stay open into May, Breckenridge Ski Resort announced it will close this Sunday, April 19. 

A Facebook post from Breckenridge stated the resort is “melting down,” but it plans to close with a bang and a few inches of late-season snow in the forecast this weekend. The resort will host its New Worlds halfpipe competition April 18-19 and will have free parking for everyone starting April 18.

On April 25, Breckenridge will have its Peaks and Beats party. While the slopes will be closed, the event will feature a free concert, a barbecue for passholders and more.

— Summit Daily staff report

4. Major project to reshape Exit 203 in Frisco to begin next week, with goal of easing heavy Colorado mountain traffic

The Colorado Department of Transportation will begin work at one of Summit County’s busiest interchanges, Interstate 70 Exit 203, in Frisco on Monday, April 20. 

Contractor Zak Dirt and CDOT crews will work day and night shifts Monday through Saturday with occasional Sundays as needed, according to a news release sent by Austyn Dineen, Interstate 70 mountain corridor communications manager. Day shifts will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. while night shifts will be 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

The project aims to reduce traffic congestion, enhance safety features and add bicycle and pedestrian connections along Colorado Highway 9, Lusher Court and Dillon Dam Road at the north end of Frisco — an area that has long experienced heavy backups during peak travel times. 

In early May, CDOT has planned a short-term daytime detour on Dillon Dam Road to accommodate a sewer installation. Otherwise, CDOT plans to only close lanes on Highway 9 and Interstate 70 during nighttime hours — between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. — to minimize impacts to daytime traffic. During the night shift, crews will place lane barriers and begin re-striping. 

No full road closures are anticipated during the first stage of construction, which is scheduled to end before November of this year. The second stage will likely commence in April 2027 following a winter shutdown. While CDOT has said impacts will be felt during both construction seasons, officials have indicated that 2027 will likely bring the most disruption as major roadway features are completed. 

— Allison Moore

5. Dillon Amphitheater rolls out performance lineup for free Mountain Music Mondays

The Dillon Amphitheater has unveiled its full lineup for Mountain Music Mondays, a widely popular and free concert series that spans throughout the summer.

The series will feature 13 acts, plus an additional bonus show for the Fourth of July. Most shows will start with opening sets by local bands and artists. 

In keeping with tradition, for one dollar from every bar sale each night will benefit a different local nonprofit.

— Summit Daily staff