Denver to Breckenridge and Vail: ski shuttles and transfers
A Denver to Breckenridge or Vail ski shuttle takes about 2 hours from Denver International Airport when I-70 is clear. Instead of a shared shuttle you can book a private transfer, take the bus or drive yourself.
Updated October 21, 2026 · We may earn a commission
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Status update, October 21, 2026.
- Ski season hasn't started yet. Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, Keystone and Loveland were all making snow by mid-October (Denver Gazette). Keystone is selling lift tickets for Saturday, October 24, but told the Steamboat Pilot it had no official opening date. A-Basin's site says it will open as soon as it can (A-Basin), and Loveland is aiming for late October or early November (Loveland). Set dates so far: Breckenridge and Copper on November 6, Vail on November 13, Steamboat on November 21, Beaver Creek on November 25, and Aspen Mountain and Snowmass on November 26 (Vail Resorts, Colorado Ski Country USA).
- The traction law season runs September 1 to May 31 on I-70 between Morrison and Dotsero, and CDOT can turn the law on for any state highway. When it's on, an AWD or 4WD car needs all-weather, M+S or winter tires with at least 3/16-inch tread. Any car that doesn't meet that, including a 2WD car, needs chains or an approved traction device on two or more drive tires. A ticket costs $100 plus a $33 surcharge, or $500 plus $157 if your car ends up blocking a lane (CDOT, CDOT).
How people get from Denver to the ski towns
Breckenridge and Vail are each about 2 hours from Denver International Airport when I-70 is clear. Weekend ski traffic and storms can add hours. Without a car, there are three ways up.
- On a shared shuttle you book a seat in a van that runs on a schedule from DEN to Summit County (Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper) and to Vail and Beaver Creek. Epic Mountain Express and Groome Transportation are two established operators; check their sites for current routes and fares.
- A private transfer is an SUV or van for your group only, priced per vehicle. It usually works out well for families with ski bags.
- CDOT's Bustang bus runs along I-70 from Denver. It costs the least and is the hardest to manage with luggage.
Driving yourself instead
A rental car is the better deal if you'll ski more than one resort or your group is big enough that shuttle fares add up. From September 1 to May 31 Colorado's traction law can apply on I-70, so book an AWD/4WD vehicle or check that the tires qualify. Our car rental guide covers the details.
Just want one ski day from Denver?
If you're staying in Denver, a guided ski day takes care of the drive. Two options from our winter tours comparison:
- Ski day without a rental car
From Denver: Copper Mountain Ski Day with Lift & Rentals
- Denver
- 12 hours
- GetYourGuide
From $350 pp
Check availability - Sightseeing day to Breckenridge
From Denver: Breckenridge and Rocky Mountains Guided Tour
- Denver
- 8 hours
- GetYourGuide
From $137.70 pp
Check availability
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Denver airport to Breckenridge or Vail?
About 2 hours each without traffic or snow. Weekend ski traffic and storms can add a lot of time.
Which companies run shuttles from DEN to the ski resorts?
Epic Mountain Express and Groome Transportation are two established operators. Private transfers can also be booked through platforms like Viator.
Do I need a 4WD car to drive to the ski resorts?
From September 1 to May 31 Colorado's traction law can require 4WD/AWD or qualifying tires on I-70, so an AWD/4WD rental is the safer choice in winter.