Aspen's Newest Employee Will Melt Your Heart

As Fall ever so slowly makes way for winter in the Colorado high country, ski areas are hard at work prepping for ski season. Part of this preparation includes, of course, training new employees to keep the mountain safe, open, and running smoothly.

We try not to play favorites when it comes to mountain ops teams, after all, they're all important in their own ways, but not all mountain ops employees are created equal. One of Aspen's new patrollers might take the cake for cutest we've ever seen, and no it's not some grungy mountain guy who wants to take you out for $4 PBRs.

Benji, the Golden Retriever (don't quote us on that) and his perfect, floppy ears have joined Aspen Snowmass' ski patrol unit as an avalanche dog trainee. According to the mountain's social media page, Benji's current responsibilities include, but are not limited to; stick assessment (very important mountain prep protocol), constant sniff checks (helps with avalanche forecasting), and zoomies in fall leaves (clearing and grading to keep slopes safe of hidden obstacles).

Apparently, Benji also always naps next to his radio, just in case duty calls.