Parking in Aspen and Snowmass 2026–27: Rates, Free Hours and Ski Lots

Downtown Aspen is metered 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday, with a four-hour limit: $5–7 an hour in peak season, free on Sundays, holidays and evenings. The Rio Grande garage caps at $15 a day. For skiing, Buttermilk and the Brush Creek Park & Ride are free; Aspen Highlands' garage is $35–50 a day.

City rates took effect February 16, 2026 (City of Aspen). Ski-area and Snowmass figures are from Aspen Snowmass and the Town of Snowmass Village, checked September 2026. Rates change; confirm on the day.

Paul Montiel · Aspen · Updated September 2026

IDowntown

Downtown Aspen street parking

Enforced: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; four hours per license plate per day.
Peak season: December to March and June to September, Monday–Saturday: $5 an hour 10–11 a.m., $7 11 a.m.–3 p.m., $5 3–6 p.m.
Off season: April, May, October, November, Monday–Friday: $3, $5, $3 for the same bands; weekends free.
Free: Sundays, qualifying holidays, 6 p.m.–3 a.m. and 7–10 a.m.
Never: 3–7 a.m.: no parking, for street cleaning and snowplows.
Pay: PayByPhone or the street kiosks.

IIGarage

Rio Grande Parking Garage

Rates: First 30 minutes free; $3 up to an hour, $6 up to two, $9 up to three, $15 for 3–24 hours.
Where: Rio Grande Place, a short walk to the Silver Queen Gondola and downtown; the easiest place to leave a car all day.

IIIResidential

Residential zones

Around the core, residential zones sell visitor day passes at $9 a day, Monday to Friday; free on weekends and holidays. Electric vehicles now pay too.

IVSki days

Parking at the four mountains

Free RFTA buses link all four mountains; see Aspen without a car.

Aspen Mountain: No ski-area lot; use Rio Grande or downtown meters.
Aspen Highlands: Garage at 199 Prospector Road: first 30 minutes free; weekdays $35 up to four hours, $40 over; weekends $45 and $50. Pay by QR code or kiosk.
Buttermilk: Free in winter, and it fills early on busy days.
Snowmass: Base Village garage: first hour free, then $9 an hour to $63 a day, enforced 7 a.m.–5 p.m. from Thanksgiving to April; no overnight parking. Village numbered lots are permit-only 7 a.m.–1 p.m. in winter.
Free park & rides: Brush Creek Park & Ride (Highway 82 at Brush Creek Road) and Snowmass's Town Park/Rodeo lot, with free buses to Snowmass, downtown Aspen and the slopes.

VOur view

Do you need a car at all?

Most stays, no

Downtown is walkable, the buses are free and frequent, and a car spends most of the week parked at $15 a day or more.

Where a car helps

Day trips over Independence Pass in summer, the hot springs, or a house up a valley road.

The alternative

A driver for the airport and the evenings that matter, and buses or walking in between. See taxis and shuttles.

Common questions

Is parking free in Aspen on Sundays?

Yes. Downtown street parking is free on Sundays and qualifying holidays, and every day from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. and 7 to 10 a.m. No parking 3–7 a.m.

How much is parking in downtown Aspen?

In peak season, $5 an hour 10–11 a.m., $7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and $5 from 3 to 6 p.m., with a four-hour limit. The Rio Grande garage is $15 for 3–24 hours.

Where can I park for free to ski in Aspen?

Buttermilk's lot is free in winter, and the Brush Creek Park & Ride and Snowmass Town Park/Rodeo lot are free with free buses to the slopes.

How much is parking at Aspen Highlands?

The garage is free for 30 minutes, then $35 (up to four hours) or $40 on weekdays, and $45 or $50 on weekends.

How much is parking in Snowmass Base Village?

The first hour is free, then $9 an hour up to $63 a day, enforced 7 a.m.–5 p.m. in winter. No overnight parking.