Reimagining Aspen’s Mountain Airport

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport

Aviation and Transportation

Nestled within Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) sits at 7,820 feet above sea level, framed by the Rocky Mountains and just three miles from downtown Aspen. As the closest commercial airport to Aspen and Snowmass Village, it serves as the primary gateway for residents and visitors arriving in Pitkin County. After decades of providing easy access to world-class skiing, stunning scenery, and charming mountain views, the airport is now preparing for its next chapter.

At the center of the 385-acre site, plans are underway for a new terminal designed to meet current passenger demand while aligning with the valley’s environmental and community priorities. ZGF Architects, in partnership with Aspen-based Charles Cunniffe Architects, are leading the design.

Location

Aspen, Colorado

Project Component

Architecture Services
Interior Design & Space Planning

Left: Existing view of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport sited within Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley.

Right: Guiding principles developed through extensive public engagement and conceptual site model

"This won’t be just another terminal—it will be an iconic gateway that’s distinctly Aspen.”

Sharron van der Meulen, ZGF Managing Partner

From the outset, the modernization effort has been shaped by a commitment to sustainability, innovation, health, and a strong sense of place. Through public open houses and task forces, community members contributed perspectives on safety, environmental responsibility, and economic impact. These discussions led to the Common Ground Recommendations, a unified framework that reflects shared values and informs the terminal concept.

At the heart of the vision is an airport that serves its operational purpose while reflecting the character of Pitkin County. Priorities include ensuring low-carbon and resilient operations, strengthening ground connectivity, and creating architecture that feels welcoming and rooted in local culture.

The terminal’s design vision balances efficiency with place, moving beyond infrastructure to create an arrival experience that reflects the region it serves, setting the tone long before travelers step outside.

As the project advances, the concept continues to evolve, guided by the community-driven framework established to date.