Flying To Aspen
Four airports service airlines that fly to Aspen Snowmass. Closest to Aspen Snowmass is Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, just 15 minutes from downtown Aspen.
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE)
Aspen/Pitkin Airport offers service from United, American, and Delta Airlines, with flights arriving from Denver four times daily, between approximately noon and 9 PM. Checked skis and snowboards cost the same as checked baggage. From the airport, Aspen Snowmass is just a three-mile drive heading east on Highway 82.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Just 220 miles from Aspen Snowmass, Denver International Airport brings in travelers from around the country on over 1,700 flights daily. Once you rent your car at the airport, all you have to do is jump on I-70 west until you reach exit 116 for Glenwood Springs/Aspen on Highway 82. You’ll be in downtown Aspen Snowmass in about 3.5 hours from the time you departed the airport.
Denver International Airport Denver International Airport has connecting flights to Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.
Eagle County Airport services five major airlines with several nonstop flights from major cities around the country. EGE is only 70 miles west of downtown Aspen Snowmass. Jump on US-6 West for just under 3 miles until you hit the ramp for I-70 West. Take I-70 West for another 60 miles, then take Exit 116 for Glenwood Springs Aspen on Highway 82, and you’ll be downtown in about an hour from the time you left the airport.
Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT)
If you’re flying through Grand Junction Regional Airport, you’ll be looking at an approximately 2-hour, 125-mile drive east. Take I-70 East for about 84 miles, then take the Glenwod Springs/Aspen #116 exit for Highway 82 for about 39 miles.
“United Airlines Plane at Aspen Airport” by Daniel X. O’Neil is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Driving To Aspen
Summer
In the summer, Highway 82 provides a route to Aspen Snowmass through the Independence Pass. A Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway and part of Highway 82, Independence Pass is the highest paved state road over the Continental Divide in Colorado. Its summit has an elevation of around 12,000 feet.
Independence Pass is typically open from Memorial Day until late October or early November. The target opening date each year is the Thursday before the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Before traveling by car, be sure to visit COtrip to check the road conditions.
To reach Aspen Snowmass from Denver via Highway 82, take I-70 west for 77 miles to exit 195 and then drive south on Highway 91 to Leadville. Then head south on Highway 24 to Highway 82 and drive over the pass to Aspen. The total driving distance from Denver to Aspen over the pass is about 160 miles.
Independence Pass has magnificent views, but parts of the road are narrow and can only accommodate a single car. Vehicles over 35 feet in length and overweight vehicles are prohibited at all times. Be sure to use caution in oncoming traffic and when navigating steep inclines and tight curves.
Drivers can also reach Aspen Snowmass via I-70 and Highway 82 through Glenwood Springs, or from Highway 285 and Highways 24 and 82.
Winter
Traveling to Aspen Snowmass in winter, you won’t be able to go over Independence Pass because it’s closed between late October or early November until Memorial Day. Instead, you’ll take I-70 to Highway 82, which will be past Independence Pass. You’ll still be able to take in picturesque Glenwood Springs Canyon, as well as many beautiful vistas within the Rocky Mountains.
Independence Pass Part of Highway 82, Independence Pass is open only during summer months as a driving route to Aspen Snowmass. (Photo: “Independence Pass” by Larry Lamsa is licensed under CC BY 2.0)
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