The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Friday, forecasting that the last day of ski season could be marked with 10 to 20 inches of snow.

The warning is in effect from noon today to 6 a.m. Monday and affects the Elk and Gore mountains and their accompanying valleys. Most of the snow is expected to fall between Saturday afternoon and Sunday night.

Southwest winds blowing 10 to 20 miles per hour, with stronger guest over higher terrain, are expected.

The Grand Junction office of the Weather Service warns that travelers may experience icy and snowpacked roads.

Sunday is the last day of the ski season for Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Snowmass.

Registration is open for two classic Aspen spring cycling events — the Ride for the Pass and the Aspen Criterium.

Ride for the Pass, which takes participants from the winter closure gate at the foot of Independence Pass 10 miles up the road to the ghost town of Independence, takes place on the morning of Saturday, May 19. Since the road does not open to cars until Memorial Day weekend, the race benefiting the Independence Pass Foundation allows cyclists to “go where no car has gone before — at least since last fall.”

Sunday, May 20 is the downtown Aspen Criterium, where riders lap a 0.9-mile, 10-corner course in the heart of the core.

With both events, the weekend is marketed as the Aspen Cycling Festival and seeks to attract participants from all over the state.

The Aspen Criterium is sanctioned by USA Cycling — the official governing body for all disciplines of competitive cycling in the U.S. — and the Bicycle Racing Association of Colorado.

Register for Ride for the Pass at www.active.com [1] and the Aspen Criterium at www.prerace.com [2].

For more information about the Aspen Cycling Festival visit www.aspencyclingfestival.com [3]

Cyclists are invited to take a guided tour of open space properties around Basalt on Thursday, April 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Hundreds of acres of open space have been protected near downtown Basalt in the past 15 years, and staff from Roaring Fork Conservancy, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, and the town of Basalt are offering folks a chance to see the land, hear the history of these unique places and learn what is envisioned for the future of open space near Basalt.

The mostly flat, 5-mile ride takes off from downtown Basalt’s Old Pond Park and is a free event. It will take place rain or shine and your own bike and helmet are required. For more information call 927-1290 or visit www.roaringfork.org [4].