Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) will close for a major construction project beginning April 4, 2027. If you're planning a trip to Aspen or Snowmass Village during 2027, here's what you need to know, what to expect, and how to get here while the airport is offline.
Quick Facts: ASE 2027 Closure
- Airport closes: April 4, 2027 at 11:00 p.m.
- Airport reopens: November 19, 2027 at 7:00 p.m.
- Closure length: Approximately seven and a half months
- Reason: Complete runway reconstruction plus new terminal construction
- Seasons affected: Spring, summer, and early fall 2027
- Winter 2026–27: Not affected — ASE remains open through April 4, 2027
- No flights: No commercial or general aviation permitted during closure
- Alternate airports: Eagle County (EGE), Denver (DEN), Grand Junction (GJT)
- New terminal expected: 2029
- Official updates: aspenairport.com/modernization
What is happening and why
On April 4, 2027, at 11 p.m., ASE will close for a voter-approved infrastructure project. The airport is expected to reopen November 19, 2027, at 7 p.m. The closure window spans approximately seven and a half months.
The project is not routine maintenance. It involves the complete reconstruction of the existing runway to meet current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, work that requires a full closure because commercial and general aviation cannot operate safely alongside active runway reconstruction. Construction of a new commercial passenger terminal and Fixed Based Operator (FBO) facility will also begin during this window.
This is a long-term investment in ASE. When the new runway opens in late 2027, commercial operations will continue in the existing terminal while the new terminal is completed. Full transition to the new terminal is expected in 2029.
What does the closure mean for travelers
No commercial or general aviation flights will operate at ASE during the closure, and there will be no access to the terminal. If you are traveling to Aspen for the spring season, a summer visit, or an early fall trip in 2027, you will need to fly into one of the regional alternate airports and drive into the valley.
The closure does not affect the winter 2026–27 season. The airport remains fully operational through April 4, 2027, so any trip planned before that date is unaffected.
When does the work begin
Preparatory work begins summer 2026, before the full closure. Pitkin County will realign Owl Creek Road, shifting it approximately 30 feet west over a length of about 1,800 feet, along with select utility work. Alternating one-lane road closures may occur during this phase, and trail detours will be provided. No full road closure is planned, and adjacent bike paths and trails will remain accessible with detours as needed.
Alternate airports for reaching Aspen in 2027
Three regional airports serve as practical alternatives to ASE. Each has tradeoffs in terms of drive time, flight availability, and weather reliability.
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), located in Gypsum, is the closest alternative at approximately 68 miles from Aspen, or roughly 90 minutes by car under normal conditions. The drive follows Interstate 70 East through Glenwood Canyon, then transitions onto Colorado Highway 82 southeast through the Roaring Fork Valley. EGE is already a familiar entry point for many Aspen visitors, particularly those who prioritize reliability: the airport operates at lower elevation and tends to experience fewer weather-related delays and cancellations than ASE.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest and most connected airport in the region, with nonstop and one-stop service from cities across the country and internationally. The drive from DEN to Aspen covers approximately 220 miles and takes roughly four hours under normal conditions via Interstate 70 West and Colorado Highway 82. Winter weather or Glenwood Canyon closures can extend that time, so build in a buffer if you're traveling during shoulder seasons.
Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) is approximately 125 miles from Aspen, with an estimated drive of around two hours and 15 minutes via Interstate 70 East and Highway 82. GJT is a smaller regional airport with fewer daily flights, but it can be a practical option depending on your origin city and schedule.
Ground transportation during the closure
Pitkin County has indicated that more information about organized ground transportation resources will be provided in advance of the 2027 closure. At this time, no specific shuttle programs from alternate airports have been announced.
We will update this page as soon as official transportation plans are confirmed. In the meantime, travelers should plan on rental cars, private car services, or rideshare options from whichever alternate airport they choose.
For guests staying with Frias Properties, our team will stay current on all ground transportation developments and keep you informed as plans take shape. Our concierge team is here to help you think through logistics as your trip approaches.
Booking your spring, summer or fall 2027 trip
The closure runs April through mid-November 2027, which means the summer and early fall travel windows will require additional planning this year. That also means the winter 2027–28 season will open with a newly reconstructed runway and the same Aspen you've always known.
If you're thinking about a 2027 visit, the earlier you plan, the more options you'll have for flights, rental cars, and ground transportation into the valley. Browse our Aspen and Snowmass vacation rentals and reach out to our team if you have questions about what to expect.
For the latest updates directly from the airport, visit aspenairport.com/modernization.
Reserve your Aspen Snowmass vacation rental with Frias Properties or call 970.920.2000.
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