ASPEN MOMENTS · AIRPORT GUIDE
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) closes to every flight, airlines, private jets and helicopters alike, for most of 2027 while its runway is rebuilt. If you're coming to Aspen or Snowmass between April and November 2027, you'll land at another airport and finish by road. Here's what's happening, which airport to choose and how to get from it to your door.
The dates
- Closes: Sunday, April 4, 2027, at 11 pm
- Reopens: Friday, November 19, 2027, at 7 pm (scheduled)
- What stops: all commercial and private flights, helicopters included
Dates are from the airport's construction page, checked on November 1, 2026; we'll update this page if they change. The closure is also on our Aspen events calendar.
What's changing at ASE
The runway has reached the end of its useful life and is being rebuilt to current FAA standards: widened from 100 to 150 feet, shifted about 80 feet west, and designed for aircraft with wingspans up to 118 feet (95 feet today). Construction of a new commercial terminal starts in April 2027; the current terminal stays in use until the new one opens, projected for 2029. Details are in the airport's closure FAQ.
Which airport instead
| Airport | Distance to Aspen | Drive time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle (EGE) | About 65–70 mi | 1h20–1h30 | The closest airport with airline flights; United and American have added flights for the closure |
| Denver (DEN) | About 220 mi | 3h45–4h15 | The most flights, including international; I-70 the whole way |
| Grand Junction (GJT) | About 130 mi | About 2h15–2h30 | American, Delta, United and Breeze; no Glenwood Canyon on the way |
| Montrose (MTJ) | About 130 mi | About 2h45 | Named by the airport as an alternative |
| Rifle (RIL) | About 65–70 mi | About 1h30 | Private and charter flights; open to general aviation during the closure |
In summer, Independence Pass is normally open too, which gives travelers from Denver a second, shorter road; see is Independence Pass open. The airport's own travel guide for the closure lists every option.
How transfers work
Whichever airport you choose, the last leg is by road. A private car tracks your flight, meets you at baggage claim, loads your bags and drives you to your door in Aspen or Snowmass. By bus, Bustang's West Line connects Denver and Grand Junction (including GJT airport) with Glenwood Springs, where RFTA buses continue up the valley.
- From Eagle: Eagle Airport to Aspen private car
- From Denver: private car from Denver to Aspen
- From Rifle: Rifle airport transfers
- From Grand Junction or Montrose: enter your flight in Book a Ride for a quote
Booking tips for summer 2027
- Book flights early. With ASE closed, every Aspen-bound traveler shares the seats into Eagle, Grand Junction and Denver.
- Book your ride when you book your flight, especially for the busiest summer weekends in our events calendar.
- Allow extra time. The airport recommends it, and summer is also road-work season. Check COtrip before you travel.
- Plan the trip home. From Eagle, leave Aspen at least an hour and a half plus check-in time before your flight; for Denver, see what time to leave Aspen for your Denver flight.
- Decide on a car. Aspen and Snowmass have free buses (RFTA, the Snowmass Village Shuttle and the Downtowner); the airport suggests keeping a rental only for day trips such as the Maroon Bells, Glenwood Springs or Marble.
More on getting to Aspen
See which airport to fly into for Aspen for every airport side by side, and Aspen Airport vs. Eagle Airport for how the two compare once ASE reopens.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Aspen airport closed?
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) closes to all flights at 11 pm on Sunday, April 4, 2027 and is scheduled to reopen at 7 pm on Friday, November 19, 2027.
Why is the Aspen airport closing in 2027?
Its runway has reached the end of its useful life. It's being rebuilt to current FAA standards, 150 feet wide instead of 100 and shifted about 80 feet west, and that work can't happen with the airport open.
Can private jets fly into Aspen during the closure?
No. The closure covers commercial and general aviation flights, and helicopters too. The airport points private aviation to Rifle Garfield County Airport (RIL), about an hour and a half from Aspen.
What is the closest airport to Aspen in summer 2027?
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), about 65–70 miles and 1 hour 20 to 30 minutes from Aspen by car. United and American have added flights there for the closure.
Should I fly into Denver or Eagle while Aspen is closed?
Eagle is much closer, about 1h20–1h30 to Aspen versus 3h45–4h15 from Denver. Denver has more flights and fares to choose from. Both work well with a private car to your door.
Will the Aspen airport reopen for the 2027–28 ski season?
It's scheduled to reopen at 7 pm on Friday, November 19, 2027. Check the airport's construction page before booking flights close to that date.