Epic Pass Road Trip Itinerary: Ski Colorado's Top Resorts

What ski resorts in Colorado are on the Epic Pass?

Colorado, home of Vail Resorts’ Epic Pass, features 6 world-class ski resorts, all conveniently within a 9-hour drive of one another—proof of what makes the Epic Pass truly epic. This unique proximity sets the stage for the ultimate Colorado ski road trip, ideal for adventurous skiers and snowboarders ready to embark on an action-packed mountain getaway with friends or family. And really, who doesn’t love a classic road trip?

Most Epic Pass holders kick off their Colorado mountain adventures via the Front Range cities of Denver, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs, so our epic road trip begins in Keystone, which sits just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Denver International Airport. From there, you’ll traverse the beautiful Colorado Rockies, exploring the legendary slopes of Vail, the luxurious charm of Beaver Creek, and the high-altitude excitement of Breckenridge.

The adventure continues south to the rugged beauty of Crested Butte in the famed West Elks, before reaching the grand finale in the breathtaking San Juan Mountains, home to the picturesque Telluride Ski Resort. To make your trip truly unforgettable, we’ve curated must-see highlights, where to stay, and how to unwind in style at every stop. Buckle up—your Colorado ski road trip awaits!

Our Epic Pass Concierge can help book your return air travel from the Telluride or Montrose plus coordinate your rental car drop-off so you don't have to talk to any rental agents.

*When planning your Colorado ski road trip, Ski.com strongly recommends driving a 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle equipped with winter-ready tires. Mountain roads can get snowy and icy, and having the right vehicle ensures you'll handle everything the Rockies throw your way.

Keystone > Vail > Beaver Creek > Breckenridge > Crested Butte > Telluride

Total Travel Time: 9 hours

Interested in planning your very own Epic Pass Road Trip? Call Ski.com’s Mountain Travel Experts today (800-610-8911) to create your own custom itinerary.

Epic Road Trip Itinerary:

1. Keystone

2. Vail 

3. Beaver Creek 

4. Breckenridge 

5. Crested Butte 

6. Telluride

Pit Stop #1: Keystone

Denver > Keystone: 1-2 hours travel time

Stop To Eat: Smokin Yard's Barbecue | Idaho Springs, Colorado

Kick off your road trip with the scenic drive from Denver to Keystone Resort, just under an hour and a half away—weather permitting. This resort is home to 3 incredible mountain peaks – Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and The Outback – with over 3,000 acres of diverse, skiable terrain. Keystone stands out among Colorado’s ski resorts for its all-in-one base village, making it the perfect spot for families who want to park their car and settle in for the duration of their stay. On the way, be sure to stop at Lake Dillon for a picture-perfect group photo with stunning views. 

Best Known For: Lengthy cruisers, vast terrain parks, family-friendly atmosphere

Terrain Breakdown: Green - 12% | Blue - 39%| Black - 49%

Where to stay: River Run Condominiums, Timbers and Lone Eagle Resort, Keystone Lodge and Spa

Pit Stop #2: Vail

Keystone > Vail: 45 minutes - 1 hour travel time

Stop To Eat: Chimayo Mexican Grill | Dillon, Colorado

Vail Mountain is one of the world’s largest ski resorts and the second-largest single-mountain resort in North America, offering vast terrain and top-tier amenities, making it the ultimate destination for riders seeking an unforgettable Colorado adventure.

Leave Keystone and cruise west on I-70, over Vail Pass, and in just 30-45 minutes, you'll be pulling off the highway into the cozy Vail Valley. Once there, make sure to explore Vail Village, Lionshead Village, and Golden Peak; ski the iconic Back Bowls; and unwind in style at one of Vail's many luxurious 4-star accommodations.

Best Known For: 3 unique base villages, Legendary Back Bowls, convenient ski-in ski-out lodging, luxury amenities

Terrain Breakdown: Green - 18% | Blue - 29% | Black - 53%

Where to stay: Grand Hyatt at Vail, Manor Vail Lodge, Gravity Haus

Pit Stop #3: Beaver Creek

Vail > Beaver Creek: less than 30 minutes travel time

Stop To Eat: Minturn Saloon | Minturn, Colorado

Just a quick 15-20 minute drive from Vail Village, Beaver Creek is a world-class ski destination that takes luxury to the next level. Perfect for travelers who love to be pampered, Beaver Creek pairs its famously well-groomed and treed terrain with unbeatable service. And don’t miss the resort’s signature touch—freshly baked cookies served daily by the staff, the sweetest way to end an epic day on the slopes.

Best Known For: World Cup ski racing, well-spaced aspen trees, freshly groomed corduroy runs, beginner-friendly slopes, 3 o'clock cookies

Terrain Breakdown: Green - 28% | Blue - 38% | Black - 24% | Expert - 10%

Where to stay: Charter at Beaver Creek, St. James Place, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek

Pit Stop #4: Breckenridge

Beaver Creek > Breckenridge: 1 hour travel time

Stop To Eat: Vinny's Restaurant | Frisco, CO

Breckenridge is one of the most renowned and accessible resorts in Colorado and its numbered peaks offer some of the most impressive mountain vistas in all of ski country. The 1-hour drive from Beaver Creek to Breckenridge provides the perfect excuse to stop in the charming mountain town of Frisco. Stretch your legs on the picturesque Rainbow Lake Trail, enjoy some thrills at the Frisco Adventure Park, grab a craft beer at the locals’ favorite Outer Range Brewing Co., or simply wander Main Street’s cozy shops and cafés.  

Arrive in Breckenridge and dive into its famous above-treeline terrain, with lodging options ranging from slope-side convenience to the charm of historic downtown—perfect for any road tripper.

Best Known For: High-alpine terrain,  historic downtown, vibrant culture, terrain fit for all abilities

Terrain Breakdown: Green - 13%| Blue - 23% | Black - 36% | Expert - 28% 

Where to stay: Beaver Run Resort, One Ski Hill Place, Village at Breckenridge

Pit Stop #5: Crested Butte

Breckenridge > Crested Butte: 3.5 hour travel time

Stop To Eat: High Alpine Brewing Company | Gunnison, CO

Crested Butte Mountain Resort is a remote ski destination, which means fewer lift lines, more powder, and a peaceful ambiance that will melt away your worries. If you have the time, Browns Canyon National Monument is worth a stop along the way. Crested Butte is an expert’s dream, well known for its challenging double-black-diamond terrain. Be sure to explore the city’s historic Elk Avenue filled with colorful Victorian buildings, art galleries, and quirky shops. And don’t forget to look up at night—Crested Butte boasts some of the darkest skies in Colorado, making it a stargazer’s paradise.

Best Known For: Expert terrain, ski-in ski-out lodging, quaint downtown

Terrain Breakdown: Green - 14% | Blue - 24% | Black - 25% | Expert - 37% 

Where to stay: Elevation Hotel and Spa, Lodge at Mountaineer Square, The Plaza

Pit Stop #6: Telluride

Crested Butte > Telluride: about 3 hours travel time

Stop To Eat: Camp Robber | Montrose, CO

Tucked away in Colorado’s southwest corner, Telluride Ski Resort is the grand finale of this Epic Pass road trip – arguably saving the best for last on this unforgettable adventure. The drive from Crested Butte to Telluride takes you through the staggering Box Canyon in the San Juan Mountains, with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks that make the journey just as memorable as the destination.

Like Crested Butte, Telluride’s remote location means fewer crowds and more time carving up the mountain. This spot is the total package: world-class skiing, captivating ambiance, historic downtown charm, and free scenic gondola rides that are simply unmatched. Telluride is easily the most visually stunning of all of Colorado's ski resorts and the steep and deep terrain is the stuff of legend. There’s no better way to cap off an epic ski road trip.

Best Known For: Steep and deep runs, gondolas with breathtaking views, luxury accommodations, outlaws and powder hounds

Terrain Breakdown: Green - 23% | Blue - 36% | Black - 41%

Where to stay: Peaks Resort and Spa, Mountain Lodge at Telluride, Franz Klammer Lodge

Ready to go? Book all your lodging, rental car, equipment rentals, and more with a Mountain Travel Expert for a worry-free road trip. Get a free quote today and plan your road trip with Ski.com