Colorado ski resorts including Vail, Breckenridge, and Keystone are 75-100 miles west of the airport.

About Ski Resorts (I-70 Corridor)

The I-70 corridor through the Rocky Mountains connects Denver to some of North America\'s finest ski resorts. Closest to Denver, Loveland Ski Area (60 miles) is the most accessible, followed by Keystone and Arapahoe Basin (75 miles), Breckenridge (80 miles), Copper Mountain (85 miles), and Vail (100 miles). Further west, Beaver Creek and Aspen extend the options.

Vail is the largest ski resort in Colorado with 5,317 acres of skiable terrain and a charming Bavarian-style village. Breckenridge combines Victorian mining town character with excellent skiing across five peaks. Keystone is popular with families for its night skiing and tubing hills. The mountains typically receive 300+ inches of snow annually, with the season running November through April. Summer transforms these towns into hiking, mountain biking, and festival destinations. The Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel on I-70, the highest vehicular tunnel in the world at 11,158 feet, marks the Continental Divide crossing.

Nearby Landmarks

Vail Ski Resort Breckenridge Keystone Loveland Pass Eisenhower Tunnel

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $250-350
Time 2-3 hours

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $200-300
Time 2-3 hours

Level 5 ground transportation

Step-by-Step Directions

Shared shuttle from Level 5 ground transportation to various ski resorts.

Colorado Mountain Express

Cost $65
Time 2.5 hours
Frequency Multiple daily departures

Level 5 east doors

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $250-350 2-3 hours Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $200-300 2-3 hours Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle $65 2.5 hours Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

There is no public transport from DEN to ski resorts after about 7:00 PM. Mountain shuttle services (Colorado Mountain Express, Epic Mountain Express) operate scheduled departures until early evening. For late-night arrivals, pre-book a private mountain transfer ($300–500 for a sedan to Vail). Renting a car and driving in darkness on I-70 requires winter driving confidence and proper tires.

Luggage Tips

Ski and snowboard equipment adds complexity—book SUVs or mountain shuttles with ski racks. Airport car rentals offer roof rack options. Most resorts have ski valet and storage services. Ship skis ahead using Ship Skis or Luggage Free to avoid airline fees and hassle. DEN has a dedicated ski bag claim area.

Accessibility

Most Colorado ski resorts offer adaptive skiing programs through organizations like National Sports Center for the Disabled (Winter Park) and Vail Adaptive. Village areas at Vail, Breckenridge, and Keystone have accessible pathways. Mountain shuttle services offer limited wheelchair accessibility—confirm when booking. Ski rental shops offer adaptive equipment.