Crowds expected in Aspen this Labor Day weekend

Labor Day weekend is poised to be a busy time in Aspen, with high visitation and increased travel time expected for the holiday and Jazz Aspen Snowmass festival.

Aspen is expecting over 85% occupancy this weekend, according to Aspen Chamber Resort Association’s Vice President of Destination Marketing Eliza Voss. These numbers are similar to what the city sees throughout July during peak weekends, as Labor Day weekend marks what Voss calls “the last hurrah of summer season.”

In anticipation of the weekend’s increased passenger volume, the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is encouraging travelers to be mindful of crowded parking lots and longer wait times. Diane Jackson, airport director, recommends travelers arrive early for flights to account for longer security lines during peak periods of flights during the day.

“We are (also) watching our parking lots closely and have a banner on our website encouraging the use of RFTA and alternative transportation methods as our lots fill,” Jackson said. 

But the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority is also expecting a busier Labor Day weekend with higher-than-normal ridership, according to RFTA Public Information Officer Jamie Tatsuno.

There will be event-specific shuttles running between Aspen, Brush Creek Park & Ride, and Snowmass Village to accommodate concert attendees for the Jazz Aspen Snowmass festival Aug. 29 to 31. Details can be viewed at rfta.com/ride-with-rfta-to-jazz-aspen-snowmass.

People can also check the status of the airport’s parking lots prior to arrival at aspenairport.com/parking.