How to Travel: Getting to the Rocky Mountains

Aside from experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies, one of the best things about a Rocky Mountain ski and ride vacation is the ease of access. With resorts near Salt Lake City, Utah, and Denver, Colorado, it’s easy to catch international and direct domestic flights to the resort of your choice.

Colorado’s most famous mountain resorts are located within an easy drive from Denver International Airport (DIA). Vail and Beaver Creek are just 2.5 hours from DIA, while Keystone and Breckenridge are only 2 hours. Crested Butte is about a 4-5 hour drive from DIA - the resort can also be accessed via flights directly to Gunnison, CO.

As the largest ski resort in the United States, Park City also has extremely convenient access. Park City is a simple 35-minute drive from the Salt Lake International Airport (SLC). Those guests wanting a quicker arrival can also fly directly into Park City.

Once you arrive in Colorado or Utah, transportation to the resort is simple. For those needing their own vehicle, both DIA and SLC have a variety of rental car options. If flying into DIA, you can also take the Epic Mountain Express directly to your resort. Once you have arrived at your favorite Rocky Mountain resort, you can simply walk to ski lifts, restaurants, shops, and more.

Where to Go: Choose Your Rocky Mountain Ski Resort

One of the best things about a ski and ride trip to the Rockies is visiting picturesque mountain towns. Whether you are interested in a luxurious vacation experience or would like to immerse yourself in quiet mountain life, there are plenty of options to explore in the Rocky Mountain region.

Vail

Vail has 3 amazing base areas to choose from. When you aren’t skiing and riding, Vail Villages offer incredible dining and shopping, as well as activities like ice skating. Even better, the whole family will stroll the cobblestone streets of Vail without ever getting in a car.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek Village is a literal winter wonderland, complete with boutique shops, gourmet dining, and incredible mountainside chalets. By staying slopeside at Beaver Creek, you will truly relax and trust you are receiving the best service in the Rocky Mountains.

Breckenridge

When not skiing or riding Breckenridge, don’t miss the chance to explore the town of Breckenridge, renowned for its historic buildings and mellow vibes. In Breck, you will experience Colorado’s mining history, while also shopping for amazing souvenirs at its quaint shops.

Park City

People flock to Park City, Utah for its iconic Main Street. In Park City, you can take your pick of winter celebrations, museum exhibits, art displays, and western shops. No matter what types of food your family likes, they will be thrilled with the restaurant options in Park City.

Keystone

The Keystone base area offers the perfect balance between comfort and affordability. Once in Keystone, your family will enjoy ice skating, spa treatments, bonfines, and even night skiing.

Crested Butte

Nestled deep in the Colorado Rockies, Crested Butte has often been referred to as “America's last great ski town.” A visit to Crested Butte is a totally unique experience - you get a real taste of mountain life far from the hustle and bustle of Denver.

Where to Stay: World-Class Rocky Mountain Lodging

Guests enjoy a variety of lodging options at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Park City, Keystone, and Crested Butte such as:

• Full-service hotels
• Slopeside lodges
• Mountain chalets
• Condos & townhomes
• Private luxury homes

With so many lodging choices in the Rocky Mountains, you will find the perfect accommodations to fit your needs. When you book directly through your resort, you can also enjoy perks unique to that resort. Here are some of the deals you can find when booking directly through the resorts in the 21-22 season:

• Book 5 nights in a row at Vail, you get 10% off your total lodging fees.
• Save up to 15% on a 5-night stay in Beaver Creek
• Save up to 40% on weekday lodging at Breckenridge
• Keystone offers First Tracks Fridays where guests who stay slopeside on Thursday night can ride the chair lifts 1 hour before opening Friday morning. This added lodging perk makes it possible to get untouched powder runs before the crowds arrive.
• Alternative: Kids ski free at Keystone with a minimum 2-night stay
• Book a 3-night stay in Park City between November 25, 2021, and April 10, 2022, and get a $300 flight voucher
• Book 30 days in advance for 10% off lodging at Crested Butte

If you’re an Epic Pass holder, you are eligible for 20% off lodging at any resort in the Rocky Mountain region. Be sure to book directly through the resort to get the best deals, or call for the most up-to-date information on additional lodging package perks.

Things to Do: Beyond Skiing and Riding the Rocky Mountains

Family members that don’t ski and ride have a cornucopia of activities to choose from, including ice skating, snowshoeing, and snow tubing. In like fashion, if your family needs a short break from the slopes, you can enjoy dining, shopping, and spa services.

Additional activities at most Rocky Mountain region resorts include:

• Snow tubing
• Gondola rides
• Ice skating
• Apres-ski
• World-class dining
• Spa services
• Sleigh rides
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Shopping
• Cross-country skiing

Every member of your family can find something memorable to do in the Rocky Mountains. Grandparents and young children can take a scenic gondola ride without having to ski or ride back down the mountain. Your kids will also love ice skating, snow tubing, and sleigh rides.

How to Save: Epic Mountain Rewards

The Epic Pass grants Pass Holders numerous Epic Mountain Rewards, but be sure to buy early as prices increase periodically and Epic Pass goes off sale mid-way through the season (dates vary by year).

If you’re lucky enough to be an Epic Pass Holder, you have your pick of skiing and riding several Rocky Mountain Resorts - most within driving distance of one another. Once onsite, you can take advantage of 20% off discounts on extraordinary lodging and restaurants, conveniently located at the base of your favorite Rocky Mountain resort.

Lift Access with Epic Pass

Purchasing an Epic Pass in advance allows for unparalleled ski and ride access, as well as maximum flexibility. By purchasing an Epic Season Pass or Epic Day Pass, you can access 37 resorts - including 6 in the Rocky Mountain Region. Having only 1 pass for several resorts is especially attractive in places like Colorado, where you can effortlessly access Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone. Even better, you can ski or ride at several of these resorts in a single day if you want!

If you choose to purchase your lift passes at the resort, you have several options. Day passes can be purchased online, or acquired at a ticket window when you arrive in the morning.

Equipment Rentals

One of the most convenient offerings of Epic Mountain Rewards is resort ski and snowboard rental options. Instead of lugging your ski and ride gear through the airport, you can rent your equipment upon arrival in the Rocky Mountains. While anyone can rent the most cutting-edge ski and ride gear available, Epic Pass holders are eligible for 20% on ski and ride gear rentals. Whether you need skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, the rental shops have you covered. Even more, you can purchase clothing and other items you might have left at home.

When you are done skiing or riding for the day, you can store your gear in a locker at your hotel, condo, or chalet. Certain Rocky Mountain resorts like Vail, Beaver Creek, and Park City even offer ski butlers who will check your skis overnight.