Aspen: Getting there & around

Well, ahem, if you don't have your own aircraft, you're still welcome to land in Sardy Field, 6km (4mi) north of Aspen. A little further afield, Eagle County Airport is 113km (70mi) north of Aspen and has increased services during ski season. American, Delta, United and Northwest Airlines use its airstrips, bringing in vacationers from various US destinations.

For those flying into or out of Denver International Airport, 335km (208mi) from Aspen, the Colorado Mountain Express will shuttle you. If you're shuttling yourself, reach Aspen via Hwy 82. During the winter, the highway over Independence Pass to Leadville is closed.

To get from Sardy Field to Aspen, you can take a free valley bus, which stops every half-hour about two blocks from the Airport Business Centre. For your return leg to the airport in the summer, take advantage of the direct service offered from Rubey Park Transit Centre; it leaves every half-hour during the day. High Mountain Cabs offers meter taxis 24 hours a day and car-rental agencies at Sardy Field are ready to accommodate your needs. However, if you really want to do it right, try a Harley Davidson rental.

The Roaring Fork Transit Agency (RFTA) buses cover Snowmass Village and the valley to El Jebel north of Basalt, every half-hour. Free in-town shuttles shuffle around the Aspen Highlands Ski Area, Hunter Creek, Mountain Valley and Snowbunny, as well as the Music School on Castle Creek Rd. During music festivals, buses also cover the grounds to and from the Music Tent.