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Bypass Winter Driving With Car-Free Travel

Whether you’re wanting to experience the thrill of shredding through deep powder at Colorado’s world-famous ski resorts or exploring winter wonders across the state’s four corners, you can do it all car-free with ease.

By: Colorado.com Staff Writer
Updated: November 4, 2024

From first-class private services to quick and easy public transportation, we’ll get you where you’re headed safely and seamlessly. Explore the options below to find your perfect ride to the mountains and beyond.

Ski Travel

From Denver

Thanks to public transit options with departures out of Denver, getting to your favorite ski resorts and towns has never been easier. Choose from buses and trains to shuttles and private charters – either way, you can fly into Denver International Airport  (DEN) and head straight to the slopes without missing a beat.

  • Bustang - This bus’ West Line makes its way down to the I-70 corridor from Denver Union Station, all the way to the Grand Junction airport and back, making stops at many of the towns in between. Get off at Grand Junction, Avon, Vail, Frisco or Idaho Springs and take local transportation to powdery slopes at nearby ski resorts. Passengers love all the creature comforts aboard like on-bus restrooms, speedy Wi-Fi, USB and power outlets and roomy luggage bays. Book Bustang and Bustang Outrider tickets online or by using its handy mobile app.
  • Snowstang - Catch this seasonal weekend bus service in the Denver Metro Area and let it whisk you away to Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Loveland Ski Area or Steamboat Springs. Ride easy with amenities including an onboard restroom, bike racks, Wi-Fi, power outlets, USB ports and ADA accessibility.
  • Pegasus Bustang - Best for those who travel light, this shuttle transports travelers to the mountains from Denver’s Union Station Thursday through Monday — with stops in Idaho Springs, Frisco, Vail and Avon. All Pegasus vans feature traveler amenities like USB ports, charging outlets, speedy Wi-Fi and ADA accessibility. Flying into DEN? Take the A-Line train from the airport to your departure point at Union Station.
  • Winter Park Express Ski Train - Zips winter lovers straight to the slopes (as close as 100 feet away, as a matter of fact) from Denver’s Union Station right to the base area of Winter Park Resort in just 2 hours Thursday through Monday in January–March, with some additional December-holiday service. Stow your skis for free and make your way to the bi-level “Superliner Sightseer” car during your ride. Take in Rocky Mountain views from the floor to ceiling windows and indulge at the cafe with snacks and beverages.
  • SP+ Denver Mountain Shuttle - This shuttle service offers pick up from the Ritz Carlton Denver, Grand Hyatt Denver and Brown Palace Hotel & Spa in Denver with quick trips to Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Vail Resort and Beaver Creek Resort. Looking to ride in luxury? Book one of their private shuttle options.
  • Epic Mountain Express - Shared shuttles depart from DEN for Avon, Beaver Creek/Bachelor Gulch, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Dillon, Eagle, Edwards, Frisco, Keystone, Silverthorne and Vail. Level up your travel with a private shuttle ride or go all in with their Premier BLACK Private SUV Car Service, offering the luxury, convenience and personalization of a chauffeur service.
  • Peak 1 Express - Make travel a breeze with Peak 1 Express’ door-to-door service. This shared shuttle service will pick you up at your accommodation and whisk you straight to the slopes. Choose from stops at Breckenridge, Frisco, Silverthorne, Dillon, Keystone, Copper, Vail, Beaver Creek and Edwards. Or, simply hop on a shuttle from DEN to a designated drop off destination in Vail Valley or Summit County. Private shuttles are also available.
  • Summit Express - Step off the plane at DEN and onto a Summit Express shuttle for regularly scheduled trips to and from Breckenridge, Frisco, Copper Mountain, Keystone, Dillon/Silverthorne, Vail and Beaver Creek every day of the week. Free car and booster seats are provided, as well as bottled water and limited baggage storage. For 24/7 accommodation, book one of their private charters for a luxury experience.
  • Champion Charter Bus Denver - From an eight-passenger mini bus to a full-fledged 56-passenger charter bus rental, choose the perfect private ride to meet your needs. Your professional driver will have you traveling in leisure with onboard restrooms, plush reclining seats, DVD players and monitors, Wi-Fi, power outlets and ADA accessibility.

Ski Towns

Once you make it to Colorado’s beautiful ski country, you may find yourself wanting to explore the beauty of the surrounding area. There are various shuttles and buses (many of which are free!) that offer rides around ski towns, as well as making connections between neighboring destinations worth a visit. 

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Exploring the State

Whether you’re taking a break from the slopes or they’re simply not for you, see all that winter in Colorado has to offer from the passenger seat. From buses and shuttles to trains and light rails, let us take the wheel so you can kick back, relax and enjoy the views.

1. Buses

Learn more about getting from Denver to the mountains at GoI70.com/transit.

2. Light Rail

RTD, Denver’s public transportation network, is easy and inexpensive, and you can get pretty much anywhere in Denver via its light rail or bus. The system also serves six cities surrounding Denver, including Boulder, Longmont, Aurora, Littleton, Lakewood, Golden, Arvada and others.

Headed to the airport? Ease your travels and skip the traffic by taking the RTD A Line rail. The RTD A Line is the Train to the Plane, running between downtown Denver and Denver International Airport. For $10.50, riders have quick access to the airport from seven Denver stops.

3. Trains

In addition to 10 historic and scenic railroads, Colorado offers modern and convenient train-travel options. Amtrak’s California Zephyr line makes the trip from Chicago to Emeryville, CA. On its way, it makes a stop in Denver and passes through Fort Morgan, Fraser, Granby, Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction. The Southwest Chief goes from Chicago to Los Angeles, with Colorado stops in Lamar, La Junta and Trinidad.

4. Regional Airports

The state's regional airports are another way to crisscross the state without need of a car. Many are close to popular ski areas, resort towns, and national parks and monuments.