Denver is the front door to Colorado skiing. Within about two hours of the airport you can reach half a dozen major resorts, and two big season passes, Epic and Ikon, split most of them between them. Which pass you hold often decides where you go, so this guide starts there.
Epic or Ikon?
The Epic Pass belongs to Vail Resorts. In Colorado it covers Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Crested Butte. Arapahoe Basin is no longer part of Vail Resorts.
The Ikon Pass comes from Alterra. For the 2026/27 season, the full Ikon Pass gives unlimited days at Winter Park, Steamboat, Copper Mountain, Eldora and Arapahoe Basin, and seven days at Aspen Snowmass. The cheaper Ikon Base Pass also gives unlimited days at Copper, Eldora and A-Basin, and five days at Aspen Snowmass.
Pass details change each season, so confirm on the pass websites before you buy.
The resorts, by drive time from DEN
Times below are no-traffic estimates from Denver International Airport. On a winter weekend or in a storm, plan for an hour or more on top.
Winter Park (Ikon)
About 90 miles, about 2 hours, over Berthoud Pass on US 40. The closest major resort to the airport, with a seasonal ski train from Union Station. DEN to Winter Park.
Keystone (Epic)
About 98 miles, about 2 hours 10 minutes, through the Eisenhower–Johnson Tunnel and east on US 6 from Dillon. A family favorite, with Arapahoe Basin just up the road. DEN to Keystone.
Arapahoe Basin (Ikon)
About 100 miles. High, steep and loved by locals, just past Keystone on US 6. A weekend Snowstang bus runs here from Denver in season.
Copper Mountain (Ikon)
About 101 miles, about 2 hours 10 minutes, right off I-70 at the foot of Vail Pass. About the easiest big resort to reach from the interstate. DEN to Copper Mountain.
Breckenridge (Epic)
About 104 miles, about 2 hours 15 minutes, through the tunnel to Frisco and south on CO 9. A real historic town with a big ski area above it. DEN to Breckenridge.
Vail and Beaver Creek (Epic)
About 120 and 132 miles, about 2 hours 30 and 2 hours 45 minutes, over Vail Pass. Our sister site covers both: DEN to Vail and DEN to Beaver Creek on Vail Moments.
Steamboat (Ikon)
About 175 to 180 miles, about 3 hours 45 minutes, through the tunnel, north on CO 9 and over Rabbit Ears Pass. The longest drive on this list, and worth every mile. DEN to Steamboat Springs.
Aspen Snowmass (Ikon, limited days)
About 222 miles, about 4 hours 30 minutes in winter, by way of Glenwood Springs, since Independence Pass closes for the season. Four mountains and a town like no other. Aspen Moments, our sister company, drives this route: Denver to Aspen.
Eldora and Loveland
Eldora (Ikon) sits in the mountains west of Boulder. Loveland Ski Area, just east of the tunnel, has its own seasonal Bustang route from Denver.
Which site books which ride
We split the work between three sister sites, run by the same team, so each one covers its own routes:
- Denver Moments (here): Winter Park, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Steamboat and the towns along the way. See all airport routes.
- Vail Moments: Vail and Beaver Creek, from DEN or the Eagle County airport.
- Aspen Moments: Aspen and Snowmass.
Getting there without driving
- Private ride: door to door from the DEN curb, with room for skis and boards. The easiest option for families and groups. Book your ride.
- Shared shuttles: Epic Mountain Express runs shared and private vans from DEN to the Summit County and Vail Valley resorts, and gives Epic Pass holders a discount. Winter Park and Steamboat have their own shuttle operators.
- Snowstang: CDOT's weekend ski bus from Denver (not the airport) to A-Basin, Breckenridge and Copper. Buy tickets ahead; seats aren't reserved.
- Winter Park Express: the seasonal train from Union Station to the base of Winter Park.
- Rental car: the most freedom, but read our I-70 winter driving guide first. The Traction Law applies from September to May.
Tips for a ski trip from Denver
- Land midweek if you can; arriving on a Friday afternoon means joining the weekend rush west.
- Spend your first night in Denver if your flight lands late. You'll adjust to the altitude more gently and drive in daylight.
- Plan your return for a weekday or a weekend evening, and leave real buffer before your flight.
- Ski bags count toward space: tell us your gear when you book, and we'll send the right vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest ski resort to Denver airport?
Among the major resorts, Winter Park, about 90 miles from DEN, roughly 2 hours without traffic.
Which Colorado resorts are on the Epic Pass?
Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Crested Butte, all owned by Vail Resorts.
Which Colorado resorts are on the Ikon Pass?
Winter Park, Steamboat, Copper Mountain, Eldora and Arapahoe Basin with unlimited days on the full Ikon Pass, plus limited days at Aspen Snowmass.
How long is the drive from Denver airport to Breckenridge?
About 104 miles and roughly 2 hours 15 minutes without traffic. Plan for 3 to 4 hours on a busy winter weekend or in snow.
Can I get from Denver to the ski resorts without a car?
Yes: a private ride from the airport, a shared shuttle, the Snowstang bus from Denver on weekends, or the Winter Park Express train in season.
Do you drive to Vail and Aspen too?
Yes, through our sister sites. Vail Moments books Vail and Beaver Creek, and Aspen Moments books Aspen and Snowmass, with the same team.