Quick Facts
- Current air quality driver: regional wildfire smoke, including the Aspen Acres and Gold Mountain fires
- Dominant pollutant: PM2.5 (fine particulate matter)
- Recent 10-day range (late June–early July): AQI 40–88, Good to Moderate
- Highest single reading in that span: ~88 AQI on July 4, still within the Moderate range
- Where to check current conditions: City of Aspen Current Air Quality
Aspen's summer air is usually about as clean as it gets. On a handful of days this season, drifting smoke from regional wildfires has nudged the air quality index (AQI) up from Good into Moderate. Here's what that actually means for a stay in Aspen Snowmass, and how to read the numbers if you're checking conditions before or during a trip.
The recent trend
Over the past 10 days, Aspen's AQI has moved between Good and Moderate, with one day briefly approaching the upper edge of that range:
- July 6: Moderate (~75–80 AQI)
- July 5: Moderate (~70 AQI)
- July 4: Moderate (~88 AQI)
- July 3: Good to Moderate (~40–60 AQI)
- July 2: Moderate (~60 AQI)
- June 27–July 1: Mostly Moderate (~50–80 AQI)
How to read the AQI scale
- 0–50 (Good): No health impacts for anyone.
- 51–100 (Moderate): Air quality is acceptable for the general public. This is where nearly all of the recent readings have landed. Unusually sensitive individuals may notice minor effects, but this range is not a concern for most guests hiking, biking, or dining outdoors.
- 101–150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Not reached during this stretch. Recent readings have stayed at or below the top of the Moderate range.
Air Quality FAQs
Should sensitive groups take any precautions?
Small children, older adults, and guests with heart or lung conditions may want to pace prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion on the higher-AQI days noted above. The general public is not meaningfully affected at these levels.
Is there a reason to change travel plans?
No. Nothing in the recent data suggests air quality alone is a reason to cancel or reschedule a trip to Aspen Snowmass. Outdoor plans — hiking, biking, time on the Gondola, dining al fresco — remain reasonable for the vast majority of visitors. Guests in a sensitive group may simply want to keep half an eye on daily conditions and choose lighter activity on the higher end of the range.
Where can I check conditions during my stay?
Bookmark the City of Aspen's Current Air Quality page for real-time readings throughout your visit.
Frias Properties of Aspen Snowmass has been managing vacation rentals across Aspen, Aspen Highlands, and Snowmass Village since 1974. For questions about your stay, reach our team at 970.920.2000 or FriasProperties.com.