Aspen Airport is open all winter. Flying in summer 2027? Plan around the closure.
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The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) will be closed Sunday, April 4, 2027, at 11:00 p.m. through Friday, November 19, 2027, at 7:00 p.m. to undergo infrastructure improvements to enhance safety, access, efficiency, and long-term operational reliability. Find information and updates about the airport modernization project here.
For Summer 2027 air travel to Snowmass and Aspen, several regional airports offer access, and a variety of options exist for ground transportation. All times and distances are to the Brush Creek Park & Ride, approximately 6 miles from Aspen and 5 miles from Snowmass.
Distance: Approximately 200 miles from Aspen Snowmass, ~3 hours 45 minutes’ drive. Flights: Non-stop flights from 230+ destinations worldwide on 25+ carriers.
Driving Route: I-70 West and Hwy 82 via Glenwood Springs, or I-70 West and CO-91/US-24 via Leadville and Independence Pass.
Ground Transport: rental cars, private car services, public transport via Bustang/RFTA.
Airport and parking info here > (Parking Lots)
Distance: Approximately 65 miles from Aspen Snowmass, ~1 hour 15 minutes’ drive.
Flights: Increased flight schedules planned for summer 2027; current summer schedules offer non-stop flights from Denver, Dallas and Chicago.
Driving Route: I-70 West and Hwy 82 via Glenwood Springs.
Ground Transport: increased rental car services, private car services.
Airport and parking info here > (Visit flyege.com)
Distance: Approximately 125 miles from Snowmass, ~2 hours’ drive.
Flights: Non-stop flights from 6 U.S. cities on 4 carriers.
Driving Route: I-70 East and Hwy 82 via Glenwood Springs.
Ground Transport: rental cars, private car services, public transport via Bustang/RFTA.
Airport and parking info here >
Distance: Approximately 60 miles from Snowmass, ~1 hour 10 minutes’ drive.
Flights: Serves general aviation and private jets with FBO operations managed by Atlantic Aviation; planned AERO jet charter service for summer 2027.
Ground Transport: rental cars, private car services.
RFTA (Roaring Fork Transit Authority): regional and transit bus service between Aspen, Snowmass, and the greater Roaring Fork Valley
Snowmass Village Shuttle: free transit service around Snowmass Village
Downtowner: free, on demand ride service in Aspen and Basalt, using the RIDE RF App for iOS or Google Play
WeCycle: bikeshare in Aspen, Snowmass and Basalt offering free, 30-minute rides
What are the airport closure dates?
The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is closed Sunday, April 4, 2027 at 11:00 p.m. through Friday, November 19, 2027 at 7:00 p.m.
Why is the airport closing?
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 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.
Does this affect the 2027-2028 winter season?
No. The runway reopens November 19, 2027, ahead of the 2027-2028 season.
Will the airport be different when it reopens?
The runway will be new. You will continue to use the existing terminal until the new terminal opens in 2029.
Which airport should I fly into?
Four regional airports serve Aspen Snowmass in summer 2027. Denver gives you the most flight options. Vail/Eagle gets you here fastest.
Can I still fly private?
Yes. Rifle Garfield County Airport (RIL) is 65 miles from Aspen 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.
Can I rent a car at these airports?
Yes. All four commercial airports have on-site rental car counters. Book early for summer 2027, since demand will be higher than a typical year.
What is the best route from Denver?
Three routes work, and each offers something different.
• I-70 and Highway 82 through Glenwood Springs. 199 miles, about 3 hours 15 minutes. The most reliable route, and 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.
• 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.
Our Denver to Aspen road trip guide covers the stops along each one. Travelers are strongly encouraged to allow extra time and to download the COtrip Planner App or visit COtrip.org before your trip—summer is a key time for critical roadwork safety improvements.
Is Independence Pass open in summer?
Yes. The 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.
Are there other scenic ways in?
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. The Aspen Chamber’s scenic drives guide has more.
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.
Where do I check road conditions?
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.
Can I get here without driving myself?
Yes. Train, bus and private car service can all get you to Aspen Snowmass.
Is there a train?
Yes. Amtrak’s California Zephyr stops in Glenwood Springs, about 40 miles from Aspen 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.
What about bus service?
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.
Can I book a private transfer?
Yes. Private car and shuttle services operate from Denver, Vail/Eagle, Grand Junction and Montrose. Our ground transportation page lists options, and our reservations team can arrange transfers as part of a lodging package.