KASE Airport: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (IATA: ASE – ICAO: KASE), commonly referred to as Aspen Airport, is a regional airport located approximately 6 kilometers (4 miles) northwest of downtown Aspen, Colorado. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, it serves as a key gateway for travelers heading to Aspen’s world-renowned ski resorts and cultural events.
ASE offers both commercial service to major hubs and general aviation, with significant private jet traffic during peak ski season.
KASE is known for its beautiful mountain views as well as a unique high elevation of 7,837 feet above sea level. Passengers can expect convenient access to ground transportation, car rentals, and parking right at the terminal. Those who want to learn more about KASE can find helpful details on the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport website.
Contents
- 1 General Information
- 2 Parking Information
- 3 Contact Information
- 4 Passenger Information
- 5 Local Attractions
- 6 Travel Tips
- 7 Flight Services and Airlines
- 8 Passenger Information
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
- 9.1 What are the current flight schedules for departures from KASE airport?
- 9.2 Which airlines operate flights to and from KASE airport?
- 9.3 Where can I find updated arrival information for flights landing at KASE airport today?
- 9.4 How can I obtain a map of KASE airport terminals and facilities?
- 9.5 What are the parking options available at KASE airport?
- 9.6 How can I stay informed about incidents or delays at KASE airport?
- 9.7 Related
General Information
Location: Aspen, Colorado, United States
Country: United States
Airport Type: Public, Commercial and General Aviation
IATA Code: ASE
ICAO Code: KASE
Elevation: 7,820 feet (2,384 metres)
Coordinates: 39°13′25″N 106°52′06″W
Timezone: UTC−7 (MST) / UTC−6 (MDT during Daylight Saving Time)
Distance from City Centre: Approx. 6 km (4 miles) northwest of Aspen
Website: www.aspenairport.com
Operator: Pitkin County
Services: Domestic flights, general aviation, private charters, ground services
Parking Information
Short-Term Parking
Rate: $2/hour, $12/day max
Distance: Directly in front of terminal
Ideal For: Pick-ups and brief visits
Long-Term Parking
Rate: $6/day
Distance: Nearby lot with walkable access
Ideal For: Extended ski trips or vacations
Payment Methods: Credit/debit cards
Security: 24/7 lighting and monitored access
Contact Information
Airport Info Line: +1 970-920-5380
Email: airportinfo@aspenairport.com
FBO Services: Atlantic Aviation provides full-service FBO including fueling, hangars, concierge, and de-icing
Passenger Information
Immigration Requirements: ASE handles domestic flights only; no U.S. CBP available
Crew Requirements: FAA-compliant credentials required for domestic operations
Transport Options: Shuttles, taxis, rental cars, hotel transfers, Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) buses
Nearby Accommodation: Hotel Jerome, The Little Nell, Limelight Hotel Aspen
Currency: U.S. Dollar (USD); major credit cards accepted
Local Attractions
Aspen Mountain
Premier ski resort adjacent to downtown, offering slopes for all levels.
Maroon Bells
Iconic twin peaks surrounded by hiking trails and scenic photography spots.
Aspen Art Museum
Contemporary art space with rotating exhibits and rooftop café.
Independence Pass
Seasonal high mountain pass known for scenic drives and panoramic views.
Snowmass Village
Nearby ski resort and community with lodging, trails, and dining.
Travel Tips
Free public buses to downtown Aspen run frequently from the terminal.
Due to high elevation and mountainous terrain, flight operations are weather-sensitive—check for delays or cancellations in winter.
Book parking and transportation in advance during ski season.
The runway is short and aircraft types are restricted—expect smaller regional jets.
Location and Accessibility
KASE is found just a few miles northwest of downtown Aspen. The airport sits in a high mountain valley, surrounded by mountain peaks ranging from 12,500 to 14,000 feet in elevation. This terrain can impact both flight operations and weather conditions.
Travelers arriving at KASE benefit from its convenient location. The airport is close to ski resorts, hotels, and other attractions in Aspen. It connects directly to main roads, making it simple to reach downtown Aspen or nearby towns.
Ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis, ride-shares, private shuttles, and public buses. Parking and ground transportation options are available right outside the terminal building, with both short-term and long-term parking for travelers.
Airport Facilities
The airport features one runway, measuring about 8,000 feet in length. This runway can handle a variety of aircraft, from small private planes to regional jets. KASE also has a modern terminal with services for both commercial passengers and private aviation.
Amenities at the terminal include ticket counters, baggage claim, rental car desks, and a waiting area. Wi-Fi is available for passenger use. For pilots and crews, KASE has fixed-base operators (FBOs) that offer fueling, hangars, and other aviation support services. There are also facilities for hang gliders, paragliders, hot air balloons, and gliders, making KASE popular with many kinds of pilots.
On-site maintenance, de-icing, and weather services are provided for both commercial and general aviation flights. The airport encourages pilots to review airplane performance and climb data carefully due to the high-elevation conditions. Specific airport details and services can be found through resources like AOPA Airports.
Operational Hours
KASE has daily operational hours that support both commercial and private aircraft. The operating schedule is designed to maximize safety and meet the needs of the Aspen community and visitors. Most commercial flights operate during daylight due to mountain terrain and strict approach procedures required for safety.
Private aviation activity may extend into early morning or evening hours, respecting noise restrictions and airport operational policies. Regular maintenance and weather updates keep the airport running smoothly, even during winter months, which are popular for ski travel. For information on specific flight schedules and operational notices, travelers can check the official Aspen Airport website.
Flight Services and Airlines
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, also called KASE, is a hub for both commercial and private flights. Travelers have access to scheduled airline services, direct domestic routes, and a full range of private charter options.
Domestic and International Destinations
KASE mainly serves domestic flights within the United States. The airport is well known for its connections to major cities such as Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
There are no direct international commercial flights from Aspen/Pitkin County Airport. Travelers needing international service must first connect through larger hubs like Denver International Airport. Connections from there allow for travel to global destinations.
During ski season and peak tourism months, airlines often add extra flights to accommodate high demand.
Airlines Serving KASE
Several major airlines operate at KASE, supporting frequent flights that connect to key U.S. cities. Examples include United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
Service changes seasonally, with more flights in the winter when tourists visit for skiing and snowboarding. These airlines typically use regional jets due to the mountain terrain and runway limitations.
Passengers can expect modern amenities in the small but efficient terminal, with basic services and quick access to ground transportation as described by Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.
| Airline | Major Destinations | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | Denver, Chicago | Regional jets |
| American Airlines | Dallas, Los Angeles | Regional jets |
| Delta Air Lines | Salt Lake City | Regional jets |
Private and Charter Flights
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is a popular location for private and charter flights. Business travelers, groups, and individuals often use private jets for flexibility and privacy.
Fixed-base operators like Atlantic Aviation at Aspen handle private aircraft services. These include fueling, hangaring, and ground support. Charter companies allow travelers to book flights based on their own schedules and needs.
The airport’s facilities support private aviation with specialized amenities, such as VIP waiting areas, concierge services, and direct ramp access. This allows for quick turnarounds and personalized travel experiences for those opting for private or charter options.
Passenger Information
KASE Airport is designed for traveler convenience, with streamlined check-in options, clear baggage policies, and multiple ways to reach the terminal. Reliable services are provided daily to meet the needs of all passengers.
Check-In Procedures
Passengers can check in at counters located near the main entrance. Staff are available to help with boarding passes and identification checks. Self-service kiosks are also situated in the ticketing area for faster processing.
Check-in typically opens two hours before scheduled departures. During peak travel times, lines may be longer, so early arrival is suggested. Passengers should keep a valid photo ID and travel documents accessible when checking in.
For carriers operating at KASE, baggage tags are provided at the counter. Helpful staff are present to guide travelers through security, which is located just past the check-in area. For flight-specific requirements, travelers can check airline guidelines in advance.
Baggage Policies
Each airline at KASE typically has its own baggage rules, but standard limits often apply. Most allow one carry-on and one personal item, such as a backpack or purse.
Checked bag allowances and fees depend on the airline and ticket class. Oversized or overweight bags may bring additional costs. All luggage should have a visible tag with passenger contact information.
Security requires that bags remain unlocked or use TSA-approved locks for easy inspection. The airport strongly recommends not packing restricted items to avoid delays. Lost or delayed bags should be reported at the service desk in the baggage claim area.
Transportation and Parking
Travelers can select from several ways to get to and from the airport. Taxis, shuttles, and rideshare services wait just outside the arrivals area. Public buses connect KASE to downtown Aspen and nearby communities.
Passengers needing to rent a car will find rental counters on-site. Parking options include short-term and long-term lots close to the terminal, making access easy. Payment at the parking lot entrance can be made with major credit cards.
More details on ground transportation and parking facilities are available through the official Aspen Airport website. Each parking area is well marked, and clear signs point visitors to the right stops for each mode of transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
KASE airport serves Aspen, Colorado and nearby areas with commercial flights, parking, and updated traveler information. Travelers can find details about airlines, schedules, arrivals, parking, airport maps, and how to get alerts for delays.
What are the current flight schedules for departures from KASE airport?
Flight departure schedules change daily. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about departing flights, passengers should check directly with their intended airline or visit the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport website, which provides traveler information and frequently asked questions.
Which airlines operate flights to and from KASE airport?
Several major airlines offer seasonal and year-round service at KASE airport. Some of the most common are United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. These carriers connect Aspen to major cities such as Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Where can I find updated arrival information for flights landing at KASE airport today?
Arrivals information, including real-time updates, can be accessed on the airport’s official traveler information page. This page helps track the current status of inbound flights.
How can I obtain a map of KASE airport terminals and facilities?
Maps of airport terminals and other important facilities, including parking and ground transportation, are available on the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport guide. These maps help travelers navigate the airport easily.
What are the parking options available at KASE airport?
KASE airport offers several parking options for both short-term and long-term needs. Details about location, pricing, and availability can be found in the traveler information section.
How can I stay informed about incidents or delays at KASE airport?
Travelers can get alerts about incidents, delays, or airport news through updates on the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport website. Many airlines will also provide notifications for changes in flight status.
