Last updated October 22, 2026 · By Seth Semilof
Haute Jets is a private jet charter broker, not an operator. We arrange flights with Wyvern- and ARGUS-rated FAA Part 135 operators. No jet cards and no membership fees. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes.
2026–27 Aspen Snowmass season dates
| Mountain | Scheduled opening | Scheduled closing |
|---|---|---|
| Aspen Mountain | November 26, 2026 | April 18, 2027 |
| Snowmass | November 26, 2026 | April 11, 2027 |
| Aspen Highlands | December 12, 2026 | April 11, 2027 |
| Buttermilk | December 12, 2026 | April 4, 2027 |
Source: Aspen Snowmass. Dates are "as conditions allow."
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) rules that shape your trip
- Wingspan limit: no aircraft with a tip-to-tip wingspan over 95 ft.
- Weight limit: maximum gross landing weight of 100,000 lb dual wheel or 160,000 lb dual tandem wheel.
- Curfew: the airport is closed 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. No departures after 10:30 p.m. From 30 minutes after sunset to 11:00 p.m., only Stage III aircraft may operate.
- Runway: one runway, 15/33, 8,006 ft by 100 ft, at a field elevation of about 7,838 ft.
- FBO: Atlantic Aviation is the FBO at ASE.
Mountain terrain and weather can delay or divert arrivals. A late flight that cannot land before 11:00 p.m. will not land at ASE that night, so build in margin, especially on winter afternoons. See the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (KASE) page.
Big change: ASE closes April 4, 2027
The airport will close from 11:00 p.m. Sunday, April 4, 2027, until 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 19, 2027, to rebuild the runway. That closure starts before Aspen Mountain, Snowmass and Highlands close for the season. Late-season skiers flying private after April 4 will need to use Eagle County (EGE) or Rifle (RIL). After the rebuild, the airport says the wingspan limit will be no more than 118 ft.
Alternate airports: Eagle County (EGE) and Rifle (RIL)
| Airport | Runway | Elevation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle County Regional (EGE) | 9,000 × 150 ft | ~6,547 ft | 4 miles west of Eagle; longer and wider runway than ASE |
| Rifle Garfield County (RIL) | 7,000 × 100 ft | ~5,537 ft | Asks pilots to file it as their alternate to ASE or EGE |
Source: FAA airport data and Rifle Garfield County Airport.
Both are a drive from Aspen, so arrange ground transport before you fly if there is any chance of a diversion.
Choosing an aircraft for Aspen
The 95-ft wingspan and weight limits rule out some large-cabin and ultra-long-range jets at ASE until the runway is rebuilt. Your operator confirms whether a specific aircraft can use ASE on your dates. If your group needs a larger jet, EGE is often the better choice. Aspen's high elevation also affects takeoff performance, which can mean fewer passengers or less fuel on some aircraft and days.
Timing tips for the season
- Thanksgiving, Christmas–New Year's and Presidents' Day weeks are busy. Book early.
- Plan arrivals well before sunset and the 11:00 p.m. curfew.
- Have a backup plan for EGE or RIL. Heading to Wyoming too? See our Jackson Hole ski season guide.
- If you are skiing after April 4, 2027, plan on EGE or RIL.
Popular routes to Aspen
Book with Haute Jets
Request a quote or call (800) 257-5661. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes.
FAQs
When does Aspen ski season start in 2026–27?
Aspen Snowmass schedules Aspen Mountain and Snowmass to open November 26, 2026, and Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk to open December 12, 2026, as conditions allow.
Can any private jet land in Aspen?
No. ASE does not allow aircraft with a wingspan over 95 ft, and it has landing weight limits. Your operator confirms whether a specific aircraft can use ASE.
Does Aspen airport have a curfew?
Yes. ASE is closed from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with no departures after 10:30 p.m. After 30 minutes past sunset, only Stage III aircraft may operate.
Is Aspen airport closing in 2027?
Yes. ASE closes from 11:00 p.m. on April 4, 2027, until 7:00 p.m. on November 19, 2027, for runway reconstruction. Use Eagle County (EGE) or Rifle (RIL) during that time.
What are the alternate airports for Aspen?
Eagle County Regional (EGE) has a 9,000-ft runway. Rifle Garfield County (RIL) has a 7,000-ft runway and is a common alternate when weather affects ASE.
How do I book a private jet to Aspen?
Request a quote at https://www.hautejets.com/request-a-quote or call (800) 257-5661. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes.
Sources
- Aspen Snowmass, 2026–27 season dates: aspensnowmass.com
- Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, aircraft limitations: aspenairport.com
- Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, curfew: aspenairport.com
- Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, 2027 runway reconstruction FAQs: aspenairport.com
- FAA airport data, ASE, EGE and RIL: nfdc.faa.gov
- Atlantic Aviation ASE: atlanticaviation.com
- Rifle Garfield County Airport: rifleairport.com