This plan assumes you're arriving at Denver International Airport and want two ski days. It prioritizes acclimatization and avoiding the worst I-70 traffic windows. Adjust to flights and official schedules.
Option A: with a rental car
Friday — arrive and acclimatize
- Land at DEN. If your rental is mountain-bound, confirm it meets Colorado traction-law requirements (appropriate tires or AWD/4WD). See our winter driving guide.
- Either stay in Denver tonight (easier on altitude) or drive up in the evening after the westbound rush.
- Hydrate, eat well, pick up groceries.
Saturday — ski Summit County
- Base in Frisco, Dillon, Keystone or Breckenridge. Ski Keystone or Breckenridge (Epic) or Copper (Ikon).
- Start with easy runs; altitude hits harder on day one.
Sunday — second mountain, smart exit
- Try A-Basin (advanced) or stay at your Saturday mountain.
- Sunday afternoon eastbound I-70 is notoriously slow. Either leave by early afternoon, or ski until close and have dinner before driving.
- Allow a generous buffer to DEN for flights—check COtrip.
Option B: car-free
Friday
- Take the A Line train from DEN to Union Station and stay downtown.
Saturday
- If the Winter Park Express is operating, ride it from Union Station for a day at Winter Park. Book ahead.
Sunday
- Use Snowstang to an I-70 area such as Loveland or Copper, if running—or rest and explore Denver.
Alternatively, take a shuttle or Bustang directly to Summit County or Vail and use free local buses. Details in our car-free guide.
Every transit option above must be confirmed with official operators for your dates. Schedules, routes and seasons change.
Packing checklist
- Waterproof jacket and pants, non-cotton base layers, warm socks
- Gloves or mittens, goggles, helmet (or rent one), neck gaiter
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Reusable water bottle
- Printed or saved confirmations for tickets, lessons and parking