Los Angeles to Aspen in about two hours. One of the most demanding airports in the country — the right operator, aircraft and backup plan matter more here than anywhere else.
One-way planning estimates from Van Nuys, 730 miles. Round trips are roughly double.
| Class | Aircraft examples | Flight time | Estimated one way |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop6–8 passengers | King Air 350i, Pilatus PC-12 | ~2 h 40 min | $5,700–$6,700 |
| Light jet5–7 passengers | Phenom 300, Citation CJ3+ | ~1 h 55 min | $6,900–$8,100 |
| Midsize jet7–8 passengers | Citation Latitude, Hawker 850XP | ~1 h 55 min | $9,600–$11,200 |
| Super-midsize jet8–9 passengers | Challenger 350, Citation Longitude | ~1 h 50 min | $12,700–$14,900 |
| Heavy jet10–13 passengers | Gulfstream G450, Challenger 650 | ~1 h 45 min | $15,600–$18,400 |
Estimates checked October 2026, based on planning hourly rates with a 2-hour daily minimum. Your advisor confirms the exact price — including aircraft positioning, taxes and fees — before anything is booked.
Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE) sits at 7,820 feet in a narrow mountain valley. Operators require crews with specific Aspen experience, some larger jets cannot use the airport at all, and the airport is closed overnight. In winter, snow, low cloud and strong winds regularly cause delays and diversions — usually to Eagle County (EGE), about 1.5 hours' drive away, or Rifle (RIL). Your advisor plans the backup with you before you leave, including ground transport if you divert.
Thin air at altitude means aircraft perform differently departing Aspen: on some days an aircraft must leave with less fuel or fewer bags, which matters with a full group and skis. Sometimes the right answer is one size up from what the passenger count suggests. Ramp space is limited over Christmas, New Year's, Presidents' Day and the X Games — in ski season, book as early as your plans allow.
Los Angeles
Best for Most private departures — the Westside, Beverly Hills, the Valley and Malibu
LA's dedicated business-aviation airport and one of the busiest in the country. Open 24 hours, with a deep choice of FBOs; noise rules limit some older jets at night.
Best for The studios, Glendale, Pasadena and the east Valley
A commercial airport with a quiet private side. A voluntary curfew applies overnight, so very late arrivals are worth checking with your advisor.
Aspen
Best for Aspen and Snowmass
High-altitude mountain airport; closed overnight; experienced crews only.
Best for Vail, Beaver Creek — and Aspen weather diversions
Longer runway and fewer restrictions; the usual alternate for Aspen.
About 2 hours in a light or midsize jet, and closer to 2 hours 40 minutes in a turboprop. Winter winds can add or take away 10–15 minutes.
The flight diverts to a nearby airport — usually Eagle County (EGE) or Rifle (RIL) — or waits for conditions to improve. Your advisor agrees a backup plan with you before departure, including a car for the drive if you divert.
Yes. Tell your advisor how many sets you are bringing — ski bags are long and heavy, and on Aspen departures luggage weight can decide which aircraft is right for your group.
One call or one form. Marius comes back with real aircraft and an exact price — usually within the hour.