# An incentive trip that feels like a reward, not a programme.

> Plan an Aspen incentive trip for top performers: when to go, arrivals, group dining, mountain days by ability, private charter quotes and the 2027 airport closure.

Canonical page: https://aspenprive.com/aspen-incentive-trip/  
Updated: 2026-11-10 · Publisher: Aspen Privé (local Aspen stay planning and concierge)

An Aspen incentive trip works when the winners feel **looked after from the moment they land**, not marched through an agenda. The reward is the place, a handful of shared moments and time to themselves. You choose the hotel or houses and the dates; we handle the arrivals, the drivers, the group dinners and the days on the mountain.


## Four decisions before the invitation goes out

- **The season**: Winter for skiing and the town at its busiest; summer for hiking, music and long dinners outdoors. Check [the best time to visit](https://aspenprive.com/best-time-to-visit-aspen/) against the sales calendar.
- **The headcount**: Winners plus partners, confirmed. It decides the lodging, the vehicles and which restaurants can take the group dinner.
- **Shared moments**: Pick two or three: a welcome dinner, one mountain day, a farewell evening. Leave the rest free; that freedom is part of the reward.
- **The arrival**: Staggered flights are normal. Each guest should be met, not left to find a shuttle.

## Different levels, one trip

Split the mountain day by ability with [ski school](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-ski-school/) or a [private instructor](https://aspenprive.com/private-ski-instructor-aspen/), and give non-skiers a plan that feels chosen: [Aspen for non-skiers](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-for-non-skiers/). In summer, [the summer guide](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-summer-activities/) covers the options; independent operators confirm suitability and availability.

For the group dinner, tell the restaurant the real number; larger parties often need a set menu or a private room. [Private dining](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-private-dining/) and [a sleigh ride dinner](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-sleigh-ride-dinner/) are the evenings people remember.


## Flights, and the 2027 closure

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is closed from **April 4 to November 19, 2027** while the runway is rebuilt, private jets included. Summer and fall 2027 groups arrive through Eagle, Rifle or Denver, and the ground plan has to start there: [the 2027 closure guide](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-airport-closure-2027/).

For a group flying privately, we request quotes from FAA-certificated Part 135 operators and set out the aircraft, the operator and the total price in writing. Aspen Privé acts as an air charter broker under 14 CFR Part 295, not as a direct air carrier; the operator has operational control of every flight. Nothing is bookable online: a quote is not a reservation until you approve it and the operator confirms. [How a charter quote works](https://aspenprive.com/private-jet-charter-aspen/). [Request a group charter quote](https://aspenprive.com/contact.html?service=private-aviation&from=aspen-incentive-trip).


## What we do, and what stays with you

You or your incentive agency own the programme, the invitations and the hotel contract. We coordinate the confirmed Aspen-side services around it: transfers, drivers, dining, mountain arrangements, a photographer and residences made ready. We do not claim preferred rates or held inventory; each component is confirmed in writing before booking.


## Questions

**Is Aspen good for an incentive trip?**  
Yes, for a group that values the setting: skiing and the town in winter, outdoor days and evenings in summer. It rewards smaller, well-hosted groups more than large conference-style programmes.

**How far ahead should we plan?**  
Fix the dates and lodging first; peak winter weeks and late June fill early. Then build arrivals, dinners and activities around them.

**Can the group fly privately?**  
We can request group charter quotes from FAA-certificated operators as an air charter broker. The operator flies the trip; nothing is booked until you approve the written quote.

**Can you arrange activities for partners who do not ski?**  
Yes. Spa time, shopping, snowshoeing or a scenic day, confirmed with the independent operator for the actual date.

## What Aspen Privé can arrange for this

Arrange the details around the day, with one contact here in Aspen.

- [Private airport transfer](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-airport-transportation/) (From $195 per vehicle): From Aspen's airport to the door in a private SUV, timed to your actual landing.
- [A driver for the evening](https://aspenprive.com/contact.html?service=evening-driver) (From $210 per hour): A car and driver on call for dinner and the night out, so nobody hunts for a taxi at midnight.
- [Private ski instructor](https://aspenprive.com/private-ski-instructor-aspen/): A private lesson matched to the skier and the mountain.
- [A private photographer](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-photographer/): A local Roaring Fork Valley photographer, English and Spanish speaking, for family portraits, couples, proposals, celebrations and private dinners, in town, at the house or out in the valley.

## Sources (checked November 10, 2026)

- [Aspen/Pitkin County Airport: 2027 closure dates](https://www.aspenairport.com/aspen-pitkin-county-airport-announces-2027-construction-closure-dates/)
- [US DOT: air charter brokers (14 CFR Part 295)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-B/part-295)

## Related

- [The team offsite](https://aspenprive.com/corporate-retreat-aspen/): When the agenda matters.
- [Executive travel](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-corporate-travel/): Arrivals, cars and dinners.
- [Group travel](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-group-travel/): Beds and a shared plan.

To plan or request any of this: https://aspenprive.com/plan-your-trip/ · https://aspenprive.com/contact.html