Sept 10, 2025
Best Ways to Get From Colorado Airports to the Ski Slopes This Winter
As Colorado’s ski season approaches, travelers are already planning the logistics of how to get from the airport to the mountains. With three primary airports serving the state’s most popular ski destinations, understanding your transfer options can save time, reduce stress, and keep your trip on schedule—especially during peak winter travel months.
Here’s a breakdown of the best airport transfer options for Colorado’s top ski resorts, including Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen, and Snowmass.
Denver International Airport (DEN): Gateway to the Front Range Resorts
Serves: Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek
Denver International Airport is the most commonly used entry point for travelers heading to the mountains. Located about 90 minutes to two hours (or more in winter conditions) from major resorts, DEN offers the greatest number of flight options and competitive airfare from cities across the U.S. and abroad.
Popular transfer options from DEN include:
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE): The Closest Option for Vail & Beaver Creek
Serves: Vail, Beaver Creek
Located just 30–40 minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek, Eagle County Regional Airport offers the most convenient access to two of Colorado’s most renowned resort communities. It is a preferred option for skiers who want to minimize drive time after landing.
Transfer choices from EGE include:
Aspen–Pitkin County Airport (ASE): Direct Access to Aspen & Snowmass
Serves: Aspen, Snowmass
Pitkin County Airport provides the most direct route to Aspen and Snowmass, often placing travelers within a 10–20 minute drive of their final destination. The airport accommodates primarily regional flights and is known for occasional weather-related delays due to its mountain location.
Transfer options from ASE typically include:
Here are several of the cities currently offering non-stop flights into Aspen (ASE):
Transfer Services Offered Through Gondola Resorts
In addition to local transportation providers, many guests booking lodging through Gondola Resorts receive access to a range of travel-logistics options. In some cases, complimentary airport transfers are offered with qualifying vacation rental reservations. However, availability, blackout dates, and terms may apply.
Guests who wish to utilize complimentary transfers are encouraged to contact Gondola Resorts’ customer service team in advance of arrival to confirm details, provide flight information, and ensure arrangements can be made in time.
Beyond complimentary transfers (when available), Gondola Resorts can arrange:
Choosing the Best Airport for Your Trip
Getting to Colorado’s ski resorts has never been more accessible, but planning ahead is essential, especially during busy winter weekends and holiday periods. Regardless of which airport you choose, arranging your ground transfer in advance and coordinating with your lodging provider can significantly improve your arrival-day experience and reduce stress.
With a wide range of shuttle, private transfer, and rental options available from each of the three major airports, travelers can build a transportation plan that best fits their itinerary and travel style.
Best Ways to Get From Colorado Airports to the Ski Slopes This Winter
As Colorado’s ski season approaches, travelers are already planning the logistics of how to get from the airport to the mountains. With three primary airports serving the state’s most popular ski destinations, understanding your transfer options can save time, reduce stress, and keep your trip on schedule—especially during peak winter travel months.
Here’s a breakdown of the best airport transfer options for Colorado’s top ski resorts, including Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen, and Snowmass.
Denver International Airport (DEN): Gateway to the Front Range Resorts
Serves: Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek
Denver International Airport is the most commonly used entry point for travelers heading to the mountains. Located about 90 minutes to two hours (or more in winter conditions) from major resorts, DEN offers the greatest number of flight options and competitive airfare from cities across the U.S. and abroad.
Popular transfer options from DEN include:
- Shared shuttle services — a cost-effective option for individuals or small groups willing to ride with other travelers and make multiple resort stops.
- Private shuttles — ideal for families and larger groups looking for a direct, flexible transfer experience.
- Rental cars — best for travelers who want full independence and plan to explore multiple towns. Note that winter driving conditions and traction laws should be considered.
- Luxury transportation services — suitable for travelers seeking a premium, door-to-door experience.
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE): The Closest Option for Vail & Beaver Creek
Serves: Vail, Beaver Creek
Located just 30–40 minutes from Vail and Beaver Creek, Eagle County Regional Airport offers the most convenient access to two of Colorado’s most renowned resort communities. It is a preferred option for skiers who want to minimize drive time after landing.
Transfer choices from EGE include:
- Resort-area shuttles and vans
- Private car services and SUVs
- Rental vehicles for local travel flexibility
Aspen–Pitkin County Airport (ASE): Direct Access to Aspen & Snowmass
Serves: Aspen, Snowmass
Pitkin County Airport provides the most direct route to Aspen and Snowmass, often placing travelers within a 10–20 minute drive of their final destination. The airport accommodates primarily regional flights and is known for occasional weather-related delays due to its mountain location.
Transfer options from ASE typically include:
- Local shuttle vans
- Private transfers
- Taxis and luxury SUVs
- Rental vehicles (though availability is limited during peak travel days)
Here are several of the cities currently offering non-stop flights into Aspen (ASE):
- AirlineNon-Stop City (Airport)NotesAmerican AirlinesAustin (AUS)Seasonal service
- American AirlinesCharlotte (CLT)Newly introduced non-stop route
- American AirlinesChicago (ORD)Seasonal non-stop service
- American AirlinesDallas/Ft. Worth (DFW)Year-round non-stop route
- American AirlinesLos Angeles (LAX)Seasonal non-stop service
- American AirlinesPhoenix (PHX)Seasonal non-stop route
- Delta Air LinesAtlanta (ATL)Year-round non-stop service
- Delta Air LinesLos Angeles (LAX)Year-round non-stop service
- United AirlinesChicago (ORD)Daily non-stop, year-round
- United AirlinesHouston (IAH)Seasonal non-stop service
- United AirlinesLos Angeles (LAX)Seasonal non-stop service
- United AirlinesSan Francisco (SFO)Seasonal non-stop route
Transfer Services Offered Through Gondola Resorts
In addition to local transportation providers, many guests booking lodging through Gondola Resorts receive access to a range of travel-logistics options. In some cases, complimentary airport transfers are offered with qualifying vacation rental reservations. However, availability, blackout dates, and terms may apply.
Guests who wish to utilize complimentary transfers are encouraged to contact Gondola Resorts’ customer service team in advance of arrival to confirm details, provide flight information, and ensure arrangements can be made in time.
Beyond complimentary transfers (when available), Gondola Resorts can arrange:
- Private airport shuttles
- Group shuttle services
- Rental vehicles
- Luxury transportation upon request
Choosing the Best Airport for Your Trip
- When deciding which airport to use, travelers should consider:
- Total cost of travel (flight + ground transfer)
- Driving distance and road conditions
- Size of travel party and luggage/ski equipment needs
- Schedule flexibility
- Whether you’ll move between resorts (for example, Keystone → Breckenridge → Vail) or stay in one area
- If your budget is tight and you’re comfortable with a longer drive, Denver often offers the best airfare options and most reliable schedule.
- If convenience and minimizing ground travel is a priority, Eagle or Aspen may offer the best experience—even if the flight is slightly more expensive.
- If you plan to visit multiple resorts over your stay, arriving via Denver gives you flexibility to rent a car and move at your own pace.
Getting to Colorado’s ski resorts has never been more accessible, but planning ahead is essential, especially during busy winter weekends and holiday periods. Regardless of which airport you choose, arranging your ground transfer in advance and coordinating with your lodging provider can significantly improve your arrival-day experience and reduce stress.
With a wide range of shuttle, private transfer, and rental options available from each of the three major airports, travelers can build a transportation plan that best fits their itinerary and travel style.
