# Aspen in the off-season

> Aspen's off-season: when skiing ends and starts, which roads and trails open, why many restaurants close in late October and November, and the 2027 airport closure.

Canonical page: https://aspenprive.com/aspen-off-season/  
Updated: 2026-09-30 · Publisher: Aspen Privé (local Aspen stay planning and concierge)

Aspen has two off-seasons: **late April to late May** and **late October to Thanksgiving**. Skiing ends **April 18, 2027** and starts again **November 26, 2026**. Many restaurants close for a few weeks in between: last fall, **Bosq and Betula closed October 12 to November 25** and **Ajax Tavern October 21 to November 21**. In **2027 the airport is closed April 4 to November 19**, covering both.

Season dates from Aspen Snowmass, the airport and CDOT; restaurant closures are the Aspen Chamber's fall 2025 list, shown as a guide to the pattern. Checked September 2026.

## What opens and closes

- **Skiing ends**: April 18, 2027 for the 2026–27 season.
- **Skiing starts**: November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving).
- **Maroon Bells**: Maroon Creek Road takes visitors to the Bells from May 15 to early November.
- **Independence Pass**: Closed in winter; it opened May 21 in 2026 and closed November 17 in 2025.
- **Airport, 2027**: Closed April 4 to November 19, 2027: arrive via Eagle, Rifle, Grand Junction or Denver.

## Who closes, and when

Many Aspen restaurants take a break of two to seven weeks between mid-October and early December, and again in spring. Others stay open, so there is always somewhere to eat, but the list is shorter and the famous rooms may be dark.

- **Last fall (2025)**: Bosq and Betula closed October 12 to November 25; Angelo's October 13 to December 4; Ajax Tavern October 21 to November 21; Aosta October 26 to November 11.
- **Stayed open**: Aspen Public House, Bangkok Happy Bowl and Big Wrap, among others.
- **This year**: The Aspen Chamber publishes the current fall list each autumn; check it, or ask us, before planning a dinner around one restaurant.

## The dinner that is open (what Aspen Privé arranges)

We know which kitchens are open that week, and when none suit, a private chef at the house. [Private chef](https://aspenprive.com/private-chef-aspen/).

## Who the off-season suits

- **Suits**: Hikers and walkers in late May and October, people who want the town quiet, and anyone looking at property without the crowds.
- **Doesn't suit**: Skiers, first-time visitors who want the full Aspen, and anyone planning a trip around particular restaurants.
- **The best of it**: Late September into early October: fall colors, mild days, and most restaurants still open. [Fall colors](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-fall-colors/).

## Questions

**When is Aspen's off-season?**  
Late April to late May, after skiing ends (April 18, 2027), and late October to Thanksgiving, when skiing starts again (November 26, 2026).

**Are Aspen restaurants open in the off-season?**  
Some are. Many close for a few weeks between mid-October and early December; last fall Bosq and Betula closed October 12 to November 25, while Aspen Public House stayed open. Check the Aspen Chamber's current list.

**Is Aspen worth visiting in November?**  
Early November is the quietest time of year, with many restaurants closed. From Thanksgiving (November 26, 2026) the mountains open and town comes back to life.

**Is the Maroon Bells open in the off-season?**  
Maroon Creek Road takes visitors to the Bells from May 15 to early November, so late May and October are open; winter access is on skis or snowshoes.

**Is the Aspen airport open in the off-season?**  
In 2027 it is closed from April 4 to November 19 for reconstruction, so both off-seasons require flying into Eagle, Rifle, Grand Junction or Denver.

## What Aspen Privé can arrange for this

A chef when the restaurants are closed, a car from Eagle or Denver during the airport closure.

- [Denver to Aspen by private car](https://aspenprive.com/denver-to-aspen-private-car/) (From $1,650 per vehicle): Winter-equipped vehicle and driver for the four-hour drive, re-timed as roads change.
- [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.
- [Ski rental delivered](https://aspenprive.com/ski-rental-delivery-aspen/): Fitted at the residence, not in a shop queue.

## Sources (checked September 30, 2026)

- [Aspen Chamber: fall dining hours (2025)](https://aspenchamber.org/blog/fall-dining-hours-aspen/)
- [Aspen Snowmass: 2026–27 season passes](https://www.aspensnowmass.com/visit/tickets-and-passes/2026-2027-season-passes)
- [Aspen/Pitkin County Airport: 2027 closure dates](https://www.aspenairport.com/aspen-pitkin-county-airport-announces-2027-construction-closure-dates/)
- [Maroon Bells reservations](https://www.visitmaroonbells.com/)
- [CDOT: Independence Pass open, May 2026](https://www.codot.gov/news/2026/may2026/independence-pass-open-may21)

## Related

- [The best time to visit](https://aspenprive.com/best-time-to-visit-aspen/): Month by month.
- [Aspen fall colors](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-fall-colors/): When the aspens turn.
- [Airport closure 2027](https://aspenprive.com/aspen-airport-closure-2027/): How to get in.

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