Getting to the Slopes: A Skier’s Guide to Colorado Transportation
There’s a certain magic that starts to bubble up the moment you commit to a Colorado ski trip. You can almost feel the crisp mountain air, hear the crunch of snow under your boots, and taste that celebratory hot chocolate at the end of a long day. I live for that feeling. But between booking the trip and that first perfect turn lies the one logistical puzzle every skier has to solve: how are you getting there? After years of making the trek up I-70, flying into regional airports, and trying just about every shuttle service out there, I’ve learned a thing or two. This is my complete Getting to the Slopes: Transportation Guide for Colorado Ski Resorts, packed with personal tips to help you get to the good stuff with less stress.
Flying In: Your Gateway to the Rockies
For most people visiting from out of state, the journey begins at an airport. Choosing the right one can make a huge difference in your travel time and budget. You’ve got a couple of great choices, each with its own set of benefits.
Denver International Airport (DIA): The Main Hub
DIA is the big one. It’s a massive, bustling airport that serves as the primary entry point for most Colorado visitors. You can find flights from just about anywhere in the world landing here, which often means more competitive pricing and scheduling options. I’ve flown in and out of DIA more times than I can count, and its efficiency always impresses me.
The main thing to know about DIA is its location. It sits way out on the eastern plains, a good 30 minutes from downtown Denver and about a 90-minute drive to the closest ski resorts (like Loveland or Winter Park) without any traffic. For resorts like Vail or Beaver Creek, you’re looking at a two-hour drive or more. After a long flight, this drive can feel like the final boss battle of your travel day. Still, its reliability and flight availability make it the go-to for most people. My pro tip: once you land, grab a bite to eat in the main terminal before you pick up your bags or rental car. The food options are much better there than out by the car rental agencies.
Regional Airports: Closer to the Action
If you want to maximize your time on the snow and minimize your time on the road, flying into a regional airport is an amazing option. These smaller airports get you much closer to the mountains.
- Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE): Located just 35 miles from Vail and Beaver Creek, EGE is my personal favorite for a weekend trip to those resorts. I once landed at EGE, grabbed my rental car, and was on a chairlift at Beaver Creek in about 45 minutes. It felt like a VIP experience. Flights can be more expensive and are often seasonal, but the convenience is unmatched.
- Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE): You can’t get any closer to the slopes than this. ASE is located just a few minutes from the base of Aspen’s four mountains. The views on the approach are absolutely breathtaking. The catch? It’s a notoriously tricky airport for pilots, so weather delays and cancellations are more common. Flights here are also typically the most expensive in the state.
- Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN): If you’re heading to Steamboat Springs, this is your airport. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the resort, making for a quick and easy transfer. Like other regional airports, it primarily operates during the winter season.
- Telluride Regional Airport (TEX): Perched on a mesa, TEX offers one of the most stunning airport approaches in North America. It gets you incredibly close to the iconic box canyon of Telluride. It’s a small airport with limited service, and like Aspen, it is very sensitive to weather conditions.
The Final Leg: Airport to Mountain
Once your plane touches down, you still need to cover that last stretch to your resort. This part of your planning is critical. Your choice here will shape your entire trip, from your budget to your freedom to explore.
Rental Cars: Freedom and Flexibility
Renting a car gives you the ultimate freedom. You can stop at a big grocery store in a Denver suburb to stock up on supplies for your condo, make a detour to a cool mountain town, or have the flexibility to chase powder at a nearby resort. For years, this was my only method.
But that freedom comes with responsibility. You absolutely, 100% need a vehicle with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or 4-Wheel Drive (4WD). I cannot stress this enough. Colorado’s weather is no joke, and a sudden snowstorm can make mountain passes treacherous. Also be prepared for weekend I-70 traffic, which can be soul-crushing. I’ve sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic for hours, watching my precious ski time tick away. You’ll also need to consider parking, which can be expensive and limited at many resorts.
Airport Shuttles: The Stress-Free Option
If the thought of driving in a blizzard or navigating I-70 traffic gives you anxiety, a shuttle is your best friend. Companies like Epic Mountain Express and Summit Express run a fleet of vans and private cars between DIA and all the major resorts. My first solo trip to Keystone, I booked a shared shuttle. It was wonderful. I just put on my headphones, watched the snowy landscape roll by, and let a professional handle the winter driving. The drivers are experts on these roads. They know the conditions and they get you there safely. The downside is that shared shuttles can make several stops, adding time to your trip, and it can be one of the pricier options, especially for a family.
Bustang: Colorado’s Public Transit Gem
For budget-conscious or solo travelers, the CDOT Bustang is a fantastic choice. These are comfortable, coach-style buses that run routes from Denver to the mountains. The West Line stops in Frisco, Vail, and Glenwood Springs, putting you right in the heart of ski country. Even better is the seasonal Snowstang service, which offers direct weekend routes from Denver to resorts like Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, Steamboat, and Copper Mountain. I’ve used the Snowstang for day trips, and it’s a game-changer. For a very low price, you get a comfy ride and get dropped off right at the base area, completely avoiding parking headaches. The schedules are limited, so it works best if your plans align with their timetable.
Hitting the Road: Tips for a Safe Drive
If you’re driving your own car, whether from the airport or from your home, being prepared is everything. The drive is part of the adventure, and a little preparation makes it a good part.
Is Your Vehicle Mountain-Ready?
Colorado has a Passenger Vehicle Traction Law. When it’s active, which is often during the winter, you are required to have either a 4WD/AWD vehicle or a 2WD vehicle with proper snow tires or chains. They do enforce this, and the fines are steep. More importantly, it’s about safety. Before you leave, check your tire tread, top off all your fluids (especially your washer fluid, using a de-icing type), and make sure you have an emergency kit with blankets, water, and snacks. I’ve seen enough cars spun out on the side of I-70 to know that being prepared is not optional.
Mastering the I-70 Corridor
Interstate 70 is the main artery into the mountains, and on winter weekends, it can feel more like a parking lot. The key to a successful I-70 drive is timing. To avoid the worst of it, you need to be strategic.
- Westbound (to the mountains): On Fridays, traffic starts building in the early afternoon. On Saturdays, the peak is from about 6 AM to 11 AM. My personal rule is to be through the foothills west of Denver before 6:30 AM or wait until after 1 PM.
- Eastbound (back to Denver): On Sundays, the mass exodus begins after lunch. The worst traffic is typically from 2 PM to 7 PM. Leaving the resort before noon or waiting until after 7 PM can save you hours of frustration.
Before you even get in the car, check the Colorado Department of Transportation’s website, CoTrip.org. It has real-time road conditions, traffic speeds, and live cameras. I never head for the mountains without checking it first. It has saved me from closures and epic delays countless times.
Once You’re There: Navigating Your Ski Town
The great news is that once you arrive at most major Colorado ski towns, you can park your car and forget about it. The public transportation systems in these towns are some of the best in the country. Towns like Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen, and Steamboat Springs have extensive, free bus systems that run frequently. I love staying in Breck, parking my car when I arrive, and not touching it again until I leave. The Breck Free Ride bus can get you from your condo to the gondola to Main Street for dinner, all for free. It’s easy and efficient. For spots the buses don’t go, Uber and Lyft are available in most larger towns, but be aware that availability can be limited and prices can surge during peak hours.
My Final Thoughts on Your Mountain Journey
Planning your travel is a key part of your ski vacation. Each option—driving, flying and renting, or taking a shuttle—offers a different balance of cost, convenience, and flexibility. There’s no single “best” way; the right choice depends on your group size, budget, and how much you value convenience over control. By thinking through your options, you’re setting yourself up for success. This Getting to the Slopes: Transportation Guide for Colorado Ski Resorts is meant to give you the confidence to pick the path that’s right for you. Because at the end of the day, all that matters is that you arrive safely, ready to experience the pure joy of sliding on snow in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.