Aspen
Travel to Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley will require additional planning in 2027 as two significant infrastructure projects are expected to overlap. Construction is planned along I-70 through Glenwood Canyon during the same year that Aspen/Pitkin County Airport will temporarily close for its major modernization project. With more travelers expected to rely on regional airports and ground transportation, the timing puts added attention on one of the valley’s most important transportation corridors.
The projects are long-term investments in regional infrastructure, but travelers should anticipate a different arrival experience during the 2027 spring, summer, and fall seasons.
KEY POINTS
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is scheduled for an extended closure in 2027 as major modernization work moves forward.
Construction is also planned along I-70 through Glenwood Canyon, an important route connecting Aspen with destinations and airports to the west and east.
The overlap could affect travelers who rely more heavily on ground transportation while Aspen’s airport is unavailable.
Advance planning, flexible travel schedules, and awareness of changing road conditions will become increasingly important for visitors and residents during the construction period.
Why This Matters Locally
Aspen and Snowmass will remain active destinations throughout the airport closure, making reliable ground access particularly important. For homeowners, visitors, and prospective buyers, the overlapping projects are less about whether Aspen will be accessible and more about planning the journey differently.
The long-term story is one of investment in the infrastructure that connects and supports the Roaring Fork Valley. In the short term, allowing additional travel time and staying informed about construction schedules will be an important part of navigating Aspen in 2027.
By: Kara Dequine | Aspen Daily News | 2026