Aspen's Airport: Does It Exist?

Yes, there is an airport in Aspen, Colorado. The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is located 3 miles northwest of the city centre, along Highway 82. The airport is served by several airlines, including Delta, United, and American, and offers convenient access to the slopes and other attractions in Aspen. In addition to its proximity to Aspen, the airport is also within close distance to other towns in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is 3 miles from Aspen

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, also known as Sardy Field, is located just three miles northwest of Aspen's central business district. The airport is situated along Highway 82, just off of HWY 82, and its address is 233 Airport Road, Aspen, CO 81611.

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is a small yet convenient airport, offering quick and easy navigation for travellers. The airport covers an area of 573 acres at an elevation of 7,820 feet above mean sea level. It features a single asphalt-paved runway, designated 15/33, which has undergone several extensions and expansions over the years to accommodate larger aircraft.

The airport provides a range of services and amenities for travellers, including a full-service restaurant, bar, gift shops, and restroom facilities. Additionally, travellers can take advantage of the curbside baggage and easy check-in services. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and there are charging stations and water bottle refill stations for added convenience.

For ground transportation, the airport offers a variety of options, including bus services, car rentals, and taxis. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority provides a free bus service from the airport to Aspen and other towns in the Roaring Fork Valley, with frequent departures throughout the day and evening. Car rental companies operating at the airport include Alamo, Dollar, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz.

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is committed to a set of community values, including safety, health and well-being, environmental responsibility, and operational efficiency. These values reflect the local character and the mission to preserve the high quality of life that visitors can experience during their stay in Pitkin County.

Aspen Airport's facilities

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, also known as Sardy Field, is located just 3 miles northwest of Aspen's central business district. The airport has a range of facilities for travellers, making it a convenient gateway to the slopes of Aspen. Here is an overview of the facilities you can expect:

Transportation

The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport offers easy access to ground transportation. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority provides a free bus service from the airport to Aspen and other towns in the Roaring Fork Valley. The bus departs every 30 minutes from 6:01 am to 5:01 pm, and every 15 minutes from 5:01 pm to 1:01 am. Additionally, travellers can opt for limo services or rent a car from agencies like Alamo, Dollar, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, or Hertz.

Parking

The airport provides both short-term and long-term parking options. The Bear Lot, located just steps from the terminal entrance, offers free parking for the first 30 minutes, with increasing rates thereafter. The Elk Lot, a short walk from the baggage claim, also provides free parking for the initial 30 minutes, with a more economical rate structure overall.

Dining and Shopping

Travellers can enjoy a meal or a quick snack at Jedediah's, which has three locations within the main terminal, including a full-service restaurant and a grab-and-go snack shop in the baggage claim area. A bar service is also available near the restaurant. Additionally, there are gift shops where travellers can purchase Aspen-made products in the departures area.

Guest Services and Amenities

The airport provides a range of amenities to enhance the travel experience. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Curbside baggage and check-in services are located outside departures/ticketing, and self-check-in kiosks are available for United and American Airlines. The airport also has ATM and public telephone services, as well as courtesy phones and restroom facilities.

Aspen Airport's transport links

Aspen does indeed have its own airport, Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), which is located just 3 miles (5km) from the city centre. The airport is served by several major airlines, including Delta, Frontier, United, and American Airlines, offering seasonal flights to destinations such as Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Dallas/Fort Worth.

The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport provides easy access to the slopes and other attractions in Aspen. There are several options for getting to and from the airport. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) provides a free bus service from the airport to Aspen and other towns in the Roaring Fork Valley. The bus departs every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes in the evening, making it a convenient option for travellers.

For those who prefer more privacy or flexibility, limo services and rental cars are also available at the airport. Alamo, Dollar, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz are some of the rental car companies operating at ASE. Additionally, the airport offers both short-term and long-term parking options for travellers who drive their own vehicles.

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport also provides full services for travellers, including a restaurant, a bar, gift shops, courtesy phones, restroom facilities, and public telephones. An ATM is available for cash needs, and free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the airport. The small terminal is easy to navigate, and guest services are conveniently located in the baggage area to assist visitors with any additional information they may need during their stay.

Aspen Airport's history

The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, also known as Sardy Field, is located three miles northwest of Aspen, Colorado. The airport covers an area of 573 acres at an elevation of 7,820 feet above mean sea level. It is a county-owned public-use airport with one asphalt runway.

The site of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport was first occupied by settlers in 1881 with the establishment of the Stapleton ranch, a 320-acre homestead. The first building on the site was a log cabin, which sat on the east side of the present-day runway.

In 1946, a private gravel airstrip opened on the Stapleton ranch, promoted by Walter Paepcke and John Spachner. The airstrip was open to the public but was primarily used by the aviation department of the Aspen Institute, the precursor of Aspen Airways. The original facility consisted of a log cabin terminal building and a gravel runway.

In 1956, the Aspen Airport Corporation officially deeded the airport to Pitkin County, making it a publicly-owned public-use airport. The following year, the county, in partnership with the Civil Aeronautics Administration, funded the initial construction of Runway 15/33, a connecting taxiway, and an apron. This effort was led by County Commissioner Thomas J. Sardy, and the airport was renamed Sardy Field in his honour in 1958.

The runway at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport has been lengthened and widened several times since its original construction to accommodate larger aircraft and increased traffic. The terminal area has also been redeveloped and expanded over the years to improve passenger service and accommodate more aircraft parking. Today, the airport offers quick and convenient access to ground transportation, car rentals, and parking options.

Other nearby airports

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is located just 3 miles from Aspen's city centre. However, there are several other nearby airports that provide easy access to Aspen, Colorado. These include:

Eagle County Airport (EGE)

Eagle County Airport is situated 92 to 95 miles from Aspen. It is a short drive away and allows travellers to quickly enter the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Airlines that operate from this airport include American Airlines and Continental Airlines. The airport offers various ground transportation options to Aspen, including taxi services, mountain shuttles, and limos, as well as rental car services.

Grand Junction Airport (GJT)

Located 92 to 128 miles from Aspen, Grand Junction Airport is another convenient option for travellers heading to Aspen. The airport is situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Allegiant Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Connection/Skywest are among the airlines that serve this airport. From Grand Junction, it is about a 2-hour and 13-minute drive to Aspen.

Yampa Valley Airport (HDN)

Yampa Valley Airport is approximately 92.1 miles from Aspen. Information regarding airlines and transportation options from this airport to Aspen is not readily available.

Colorado Springs Airport (COS)

Colorado Springs Airport is the furthest of the nearby airports to Aspen, situated around 117.9 miles away. Details about transportation and airlines serving this airport in relation to Aspen are not readily available.

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