Epic Pass Road Trip: Colorado

What ski resorts in Colorado are on the Epic Pass?

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

Total Travel Time: 8 hours, 50 minutes

The home of Vail Resorts' Epic Pass, Colorado features 6 world-class resorts within 9 hours of each other. That close proximity of mountain destinations is not only unique but makes for the perfect Colorado ski road trip itinerary for the skier or snowboarder seeking an adventure-packed ski vacation with friends or family.

Under the assumption that most Epic Pass holders visit Colorado's mountains via the Front Range cities of Denver, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs, we've decided to start the road trip in Keystone, which sits just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Denver International Airport. From there, traverse the beautiful Colorado Rockies, checking out Vail, Beaver Creek, and Breckenridge before heading south to the famed West Elks of Crested Butte and ultimately the San Juan Mountains, which are home to the picturesque, Telluride Ski Resort. In order to help guide your adventure, we've compiled some must-see items at each unique resort including where to stay and how to relax in style.

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

*When driving in the mountains during winter, Ski.com highly recommends using a 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle equipped with the appropriate tread.

Interested in planning your very own Epic Pass Road Trip? Call one of Ski.com 65+ Mountain Travel Experts today (800-610-8911) to create your own custom itinerary.

Keystone:

Denver > Keystone - 1-2 hours travel time

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

To start off the road trip, make the short drive from Denver to Keystone Resort in just under an hour and a half. Of all the ski resorts in Colorado, Keystone is one that includes a more inclusive base village, making it a great choice for families looking to park the car for the duration of their stay.

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, Springs Lodge, Keystone Lodge and Spa

Vail:

Keystone > Vail - 45 minutes - 1 hour travel time

Stop To Eat: Chimayo Mexican Grill | Dillon, Colorado

Vail Mountain is the biggest ski resort in Colorado and as such, can accommodate nearly anyone looking for an unforgettable Colorado ski vacation experience. Leaving Keystone, drive west on Interstate 70, over Vail Pass and just 30-45 minutes later, you're pulling off the highway and into the cozy, Vail Valley. Once there make sure to explore the 3 unique base villages, ski the back bowls, and relax in luxury at one of Vail's many 4 star accommodations.

Best Known For: 3 unique base villages, legendary Back Bowls, ski-in ski-out lodging

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

Where to stay: The Arabelle at Vail, Four Seasons Resort & Residences, Lion Square Lodge

Beaver Creek:

Vail > Beaver Creek - 30 minutes

Stop To Eat: Minturn Saloon | Minturn, Colorado

Just a 15-20 minute drive from the Vail Village, Beaver Creek is a world-class ski destination that caters mainly to the traveler who likes to be pampered in between skiing some of the best treed and groomed terrain in the great state of Colorado. Every day, resort staff serve hot out of the oven cookies that are the perfect way to wrap up a day of skiing or snowboarding.

Best Known For: World Cup ski racing, well-spaced Aspen trees, 3 o'clock cookies

Terrain Breakdown: Green - 19% | Blue - 43% | Black - 38%

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

Breckenridge:

Beaver Creek > Breckenridge - 1 hour

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 stunning mountain vistas in all of ski country. From Beaver Creek, drive east on I-70 before exiting in Frisco and taking Highway 9 south towards the town of Breckenridge. Upon settling in, soak up one of Colorado's most popular ski resorts. The above tree-line terrain is plentiful and the accommodations both on mountain and closer to historic downtown are both great options for any road tripper.

Best Known For: Above treeline terrain, charming historic downtown, terrain fit for all abilities

Terrain Breakdown: Green - 11%| Blue - 31% | Black - 58%

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

Crested Butte:

Breckenridge > Crested Butte - 3 hours

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

From Breckenridge, proceed over Hoosier pass via highway 9 and ultimately merge onto highway 285 south which leads all the way to Salida, CO. From there take highway 50 west over Monarch Pass towards Gunnison and ultimately, Crested Butte Mountain Resort via the scenic highway 135. If you couldn't tell from the directions, Crested Butte is a remote ski destination. That said, the difficulty in reaching this gem means less lift lines, more powder, and a peaceful ambiance that will melt away your worries.

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

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

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

Telluride:

Crested Butte > Telluride - 3 hours

Stop To Eat: Camp Robber | Montrose, CO

Located in the southwest corner of the state, Telluride Ski Resort is the final stop on this Epic Pass road trip through Colorado. From Crested Butte, leave the way you came into town and ultimately head west on highway 50 towards Montrose, CO before veering south on highway 550 towards Ridgeway, CO. After Ridgeway and just before Ouray, head west again on highway 62 before turning back east on highway 145, which leads all the way to Telluride. Like Crested Butte, Telluride boasts a remote location and as such, sports very few lift lines. Besides the lack of crowds, Telluride is perhaps the most visually stunning of all of Colorado's ski resorts and the steep and deep terrain is the stuff of legend. What better way to end a legendary ski vacation road trip?

Best Known For: Steep and deep runs, 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

Book all your lodging, rental car, equipment rentals, and more with a Mountain Travel Expert so you can have a worry-free road trip. Sound good? Get a free quote today and plan your road trip with Ski.com