Aspen Airport To Close for Several Months, Will Ski Season Be Affected?

Next year, for several months, reaching Aspen, Colorado, will be trickier than usual, although most skiers planning their next vacation don’t need to be too worried.

Last week, the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport announced that, when voter-approved infrastructure improvements get underway in 2027, the airport will be closed during the warmer months from April 4 to November 19, 2027. The work, the airport said, enhances “safety, access, efficiency, and long-term operational reliability.”

“Our team is committed to coordinating with federal partners, airlines, general aviation partners, and the broader community as we prepare for this important project and the future of the airport,” said airport director Diane Jackson in a news release. “This project is a long-term investment in the safety, reliability, and future of Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, and we will continue to engage with our community every step of the way.”

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Aspen/Pitkin County Airport serves as a key conduit for skiers and others visiting the iconic and high-end town. 

When operating, its flights connect directly to major cities like San Francisco, Chicago, and Houston. From the airport, the town of Aspen and its accompanying four ski resorts are just a short drive away. 

During the closure, the airport is planning for a complete reconstruction of its runway to meet current FAA standards. The closure will also see the start of construction on a new commercial passenger terminal. That terminal isn’t slated to debut until 2029, though, well after Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is scheduled to reopen. In the meantime, the existing terminal will see continued use.

While the closure largely misses Aspen’s peak ski season window, local businesses are still preparing for a significant downturn in traffic, with more than 20 planning a partial or complete shutdown next year when the airport goes quiet, the Aspen Times reported.

Despite the lack of snow, Aspen remains popular in the summer.  

With Aspen/Pitkin County Airport out of commission, travelers can look to alternatives like Grand Junction Regional Airport and Eagle County Airport.

“Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead and utilize alternate regional airports,” noted Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. “More information about local ground transportation resources will be provided in advance of the 2027 closure.”

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