Airport Closure

The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is closed Sunday, April 4, 2027 at 11:00pm through Friday, November 19, 2027 at 7:00pm

The existing runway has reached the end of its useful life. Rebuilding it brings the airfield up to current FAA safety standards and keeps commercial air service in Aspen, Snowmass, and the Roaring Fork Valley for decades to come. The work cannot be done with the runway open, which is why the closure runs a single continuous season rather than several shorter ones. Full project details are available at aspenairport.com.

No. The runway reopens November 19, 2027, ahead of the 2027-2028 season.

The runway will be new. All guests will continue to use the existing terminal until the new terminal opens in approximately 2029.

Four regional airports serve Aspen and Snowmass in summer 2027 (and beyond). Denver International Airport gives you the most flight options. Vail/Eagle gets you here fastest.

Yes. Rifle Garfield County Airport (RIL) is 65 miles from Aspen and Snowmass, about 90 minutes by car, and handles general aviation and private jets with FBO services through Atlantic Aviation. Rifle does not offer scheduled commercial flights. Private jets are not allowed to land during the Aspen airport closure.

Yes. All four commercial airports have on-site rental car counters. Book early for summer 2027, since demand may be higher than usual.

There are three routes to get to Snowmass and Aspen, each offers something different. Travelers are strongly encouraged to allow extra time and to download the COtrip Planner App or visit COtrip.org before your trip, as summer is a key time for critical roadwork safety improvements around the state.

• I-70 and Highway 82 through Glenwood Springs. 199 miles, about 3 hours 15 minutes. The most reliable route, and the stunning views of Glenwood Canyon is worth the drive on its own.
• I-70 to Leadville and over Independence Pass. 159 miles, about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest route, crossing the Continental Divide three times. Independence Pass is a high mountain road with curves and steep turns, but stunning views.
• Highway 285 to Buena Vista and over Independence Pass. 185 miles, about 4 hours. The longest and most scenic, with views of 17 of Colorado’s fourteeners.

Yes. Independence Pass typically opens in late May and closes in early November, so it is available for most of the summer 2027 travel window. It is a narrow, winding mountain road with a 35-foot vehicle length limit, and it is not recommended for RVs, trailers or oversized vehicles.

Before hitting the road, travelers are strongly encouraged to download the COtrip Planner App or visit COtrip.org as summer is a key time for critical roadwork safety improvements.

Yes. Coming from southwest Colorado, Highway 133 over McClure Pass runs past Marble, Redstone, and Carbondale. From Utah, Highway 128 along the Colorado River near Moab adds a red rock detour.

Before hitting the road, travelers are strongly encouraged to download the COtrip Planner App or visit COtrip.org as summer is a key time for critical roadwork safety improvements.

Before hitting the road, travelers are strongly encouraged to download the COtrip Planner App or visit COtrip.org as summer is a key time for critical roadwork safety improvements.

Yes. Train, bus and private car service can all get you to Aspen and Snowmass.

Yes. Amtrak’s California Zephyr stops in Glenwood Springs, about 40 miles from Aspen and Snowmass, on its route between Chicago, Denver, and San Francisco. The stretch through Glenwood Canyon is one of the most scenic rail segments in the country. From the Glenwood Springs station, RFTA buses run up valley to Carbondale, Basalt, Snowmass, and Aspen.

Bustang connects Denver and Grand Junction along I-70 with a stop in Glenwood Springs, where you can transfer to RFTA for the final leg. It is the most affordable way in.

Yes. Private car and shuttle services operate from Denver, Vail/Eagle, Grand Junction, and Montrose.