Aspen/Pitkin County Airport
The gateway to Aspen's world-class skiing and luxury mountain lifestyle. One of the most challenging airports requiring special crew certification due to high-altitude mountainous terrain.
Get an instant quoteAspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is the gateway to Colorado’s premium ski destination, located just 5km northwest of central Aspen. ASE is one of the most challenging airports in North American private aviation due to its 7,820ft elevation, mountainous approach, and weather sensitivity.
Two FBOs operate on-airport: Atlantic Aviation Aspen and Signature Aspen, both equipped for winter operations including de-icing, heated hangarage, and ski transfer coordination. The 2,286m runway accepts light, midsize, and most super-midsize jets. Heavy and ultra-long-range aircraft typically position at Eagle County Regional (EGE) 70 miles away.
Peak demand runs December through March, with Christmas/New Year, Presidents’ Day, and the X Games in late January being the three highest-pressure windows. Summer brings a secondary peak (June through August) for the Aspen Music Festival, Food & Wine Classic, and Aspen Ideas Festival. Crew certification is required for ASE operations, so confirm with your operator early.
- Distance
- 5km NW
- Runway
- 2,286m / 7,500ft
- Operating
- 07:00 – 21:00
- Fuel
- Jet A
- Customs
- Available
- FBOs
- 2 available
Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) at ASE
Premium ground handling and concierge services on-airport.
Atlantic Aviation Aspen
- Full FBO
- De-icing
- Hangar
- Catering
+1 970 925 2266
Signature Aspen
- VIP Handling
- Crew Rest
- Ground Transport
+1 970 920 9180
Services at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport
What's available on-airport for arriving and departing private aviation clients.
Popular routes from ASE
Estimated flight times and typical aircraft for the most-flown corridors.
Aspen travel information
Essential context for visitors arriving via ASE.
Essential information
- Timezone
- MST/MDT
- Currency
- USD ($)
- Language
- English
- Weather
- Mountain climate, excellent powder skiing December to March
Nearby attractions
- Aspen Mountain – 5 minutes
- Snowmass – 15 minutes
- Maroon Bells – 30 minutes
Frequently asked questions: ASE
Why is Aspen airport challenging?
High altitude (7,820ft elevation), mountainous terrain, and weather conditions require specially certified crews and aircraft. Many operators require captain sign-off for ASE operations, and there are weight restrictions in hot or high conditions.
What aircraft can land at Aspen?
ASE accommodates light, midsize, and most super-midsize jets. Larger heavy and ultra-long-range aircraft may use Eagle County Regional (EGE) 70 miles away, with onward ground transport to Aspen.
How busy is ASE during peak ski season?
Extremely busy. Christmas/New Year and Presidents' Day weekend see ASE running at full capacity, with handling slots booked 6 to 8 weeks ahead. The X Games in late January adds further pressure.
Are night operations available?
ASE standard operating hours are 07:00 to 21:00. Night operations are restricted due to terrain constraints. Plan arrivals and departures during daylight hours.
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