Whether you’re intimidated by winter driving, want to avoid the infamous I-70 ski traffic from Denver, or hoping to save some money on a rental car, good news: You can visit some of Colorado’s most popular ski towns without getting behind the wheel.
The key? Knowing when skipping a rental car makes sense, choosing the right destination, and booking transportation well in advance.
I’ve used shuttles to get to Breckenridge and Vail from Denver and found them surprisingly pleasant. Other destinations offer even easier access and more flexibility, from the “Ski Train,” which drops you at the base of a ski resort, to free buses—with heat and Wi-Fi—that connect multiple mountain communities.
Here’s how to make a car-free Colorado ski vacation that begins in Denver work, including how to get there, how to get around once you arrive, and where to stay.
In this article
Winter Park
Winter Park is one of Colorado’s most straightforward ski weekends for folks who don’t want to drive from Denver.
Amtrak’s seasonal Winter Park Express, affectionately dubbed the “Ski Train,” runs from Union Station directly to the resort base, a scenic 2.5-3 hour ride.
It’s a good reminder that, much like choosing between a rental car and rail pass in Europe, the best way to travel depends on where you’re headed. Service is designed to bring weekend skiers to the mountain, and typically runs Thursday-Sunday from mid-December through the end of March, with fares starting around $40 one-way and varying by date. Skis and snowboards travel as carry-on items at no extra charge.
Once you arrive, there are free The Lift buses that connect the ski mountain, downtown Winter Park, and Fraser, with additional service to outlying areas like Grand Lake and Granby.
Staying at the resort base puts you closest to the lifts, while lodging in town or Fraser (about 2 miles away) offers more food options and, often, lower rates.
Breckenridge
With numerous convenient, affordable transportation options (not to mention connectivity to other Summit County ski communities), it’s no surprise Breck is such a popular ski destination.
Epic Mountain Express offers door-to-door shuttles from Denver International Airport starting at $59 per person each way, while Peak 1 Express and Summit Express are similarly priced alternatives. One major perk of Epic Mountain Express: passholders save 20%.
The most budget-friendly option is the seasonal Snowstang, at just $12.50 one-way. It departs from Denver’s Union Station on winter weekends and holidays, dropping passengers off at the Breckenridge Transit Center. Take the A-Line train from the airport to Union Station first, then in Breck, hop on the Main Street Trolley, Breck Free Ride, or Summit Stage bus—all free!
The Summit Stage network connects Breckenridge, Keystone, Frisco, Silverthorne, Copper Mountain and Dillon, including popular ski areas. The BreckConnect Gondola, also free, links downtown with the Peak 7 and Peak 8 base areas.
Stay near Main Street for easy access to restaurants, shops, and transportation. The Village at Breckenridge is another solid choice, at the base of Peak 9 and an easy walk to town.
Vail
Despite being a bit farther from Denver than Summit County—about 2 hours, up to 3 with traffic—Vail offers several ways to get around without a vehicle.
Like Breckenridge, Epic Mountain Express offers shared shuttles directly to Vail hotels and transfer centers starting at $79. As a nice little bonus, our driver stopped at a cute mountain-town coffee shop both times we’ve taken the Vail shuttle.
Once in Vail, free Town of Vail buses connect Vail Village, Lionshead, and other hubs and lifts. If you stay in the village, you really won’t need a car rental at all, as the core is pedestrian-only, lined with après spots, shopping, and European-inspired dining, like the Bavarian restaurant Alpenrose.
For ski-in, ski-out convenience and a lovely walk into the villages, the Grand Hyatt Vail offers direct access to the mountain via Chair 20 and a complimentary shuttle.
Telluride
Telluride takes significantly more effort to reach, but once you arrive, the uncrowded slopes, famously rugged ski terrain, and views of the San Juans are worth it.
Fly into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) and book a transfer with Telluride Express. United and Southwest both offer daily nonstop flights between Denver and MTJ, with a flight time of 1 hour. The drive from Montrose takes another 1.5 hours.
Downtown Telluride is an ideal car-free destination, compact and walkable. The free town gondola connects downtown and Mountain Village, while the free hop-on, hop-off Galloping Goose bus (not to be confused with the popular trail of the same name!) also circulates through town every 30 minutes.
Choose a downtown basecamp for access to restaurants, groceries, and a more social scene, or Mountain Village for slope-side convenience.
The Shortcut
For a first car-free ski trip, start with Winter Park. The train drops you at the base, skis and all.
Breckenridge is the cheapest to reach, as long as you’re going on a weekend or holiday when the Snowstang runs.
Vail’s village core is pedestrian-only, so a car would mostly just get in your way.
Telluride takes a flight plus a transfer, but you’re trading that effort for fewer crowds and seriously rugged terrain.
Getting out of Denver is the only hard part. Book that leg early, because every town has free buses or gondolas once you’re there.
