Welcome to Aspen, Colorado — a stunning mountain town famous for world-class skiing, natural beauty, and luxurious amenities. Aspen Tower (ASE) offers a one-of-a-kind air traffic control environment in a high-altitude airport surrounded by mountains. Living here means embracing an outdoor lifestyle and a close-knit aviation community.
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is located just northwest of the city of Aspen.
Housing in Aspen is expensive due to its resort-town status. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment often exceeds $2,500/month, and home prices commonly exceed $1 million. Many controllers live in nearby towns like Basalt, Carbondale, or Glenwood Springs, where prices are more reasonable and commutes range from 25 to 60 minutes.
The airport is located about 5 minutes from downtown Aspen and about 40 minutes from Carbondale. Winter weather and mountain driving are factors—many residents use AWD or 4WD vehicles for safe travel.
Aspen offers excellent schools, both public and private:
While ASE is the primary airport, other nearby options include:
Aspen has one of the highest costs of living in the U.S., primarily due to housing. Groceries, restaurants, and services also cost more than national averages. Many controllers mitigate this by living in surrounding communities where costs are significantly lower.
Aspen experiences cold, snowy winters and mild summers. Winter temperatures often dip below freezing, while summer highs rarely exceed the 70s. Snowfall is heavy in winter months, which brings excellent skiing but can affect travel. UV levels are high year-round due to altitude (7,820 ft).
RFTA (Roaring Fork Transportation Authority) operates free and paid buses between Aspen, Snowmass, Basalt, and Glenwood Springs. Many locals take advantage of these routes to avoid parking and traffic during ski season.
Health services include:
Aspen’s food scene features everything from five-star dining to cozy après-ski lounges:
Is Aspen affordable?
Not particularly, but many live in nearby towns with lower costs.
Is the altitude an issue?
You may feel it at first—drink water, rest, and let your body adjust.
Is ASE a busy tower?
Yes! Especially during ski season with heavy charter and business jet traffic.