Affordable Ways to Reach Colorado Ski Resorts

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Before I started skiing, I was afraid to ski for lots of reasons. I was afraid of injury, but truthfully, I was afraid of the cost. I didn’t realize the affordable ways to reach Colorado ski resorts until I gave skiing a try. Truthfully, it’s not the cheapest sport I’ve ever tried, but one of the most rewarding. Over the last few years my husband and I have made skiing not only affordable, but something enjoyable for the both of us.

Whether you’re trying skiing or snowboarding. Whether you’re an out-of-towner, new to Colorado and trying skiing, or simply looking for affordable tips, you’re in the right place.

Getting to Colorado Ski Resorts via public transportation:

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can fly into Denver International Airport (DIA) and take the train to Denver Union Station. From Denver Union Station, there’s an Amtrak train to Winter Park for as little as $19 (one-way.) If you’re an Epic Pass holder, there are shuttles available that can pick you up from DIA and take you to the resort you’d like to go:

Epic Mountain Express

This service offers both shared and private shuttles from DEN to resorts such as Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Beaver Creek. As an Epic Pass holder, you can enjoy a 20% discount on all shuttle services throughout the season. To avail of this discount, enter your Epic Pass number during the booking process.

Peak 1 Express

Providing shuttle services from DEN to various mountain destinations, Peak 1 Express offers competitive rates starting at $44. While not directly affiliated with the Epic Pass, it’s a viable alternative for mountain transportation.

When planning your trip, consider factors like shuttle schedules, travel times, and reservation requirements. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak ski season, to ensure availability and secure any applicable discounts.

Getting to Colorado Ski Resorts via car

If you’re driving, there are a lot of free parking lots at the ski resorts for day trips. The parking lots can be a little farther from the lifts, but there will be a free bus route that can pick you up from the lots. You can find this info by going on the resort website that you’re headed to. (I.E. at Keystone Resort, Vail, Breckenridge.)

If you’re driving for a weekend, look to book a hotel that is close enough to the chairlifts. If those are too expensive, look for a hotel with a free shuttle. We’re staying here for Crested Butte which is a ski-in, ski-out place and we are staying here in Vail for a place walking distance to the chairlifts.

Gear

Winter gear

If you are completely new to skiing & need snow gear as well as ski gear, consider going to a place like REI or Sierra. Sierra is an outdoor version of TJmax, and it’s where my husband found his Spyder jacket (retail $350) for under $150.

Consider buying last season’s gear as it will be on sale! Columbia is a a great brand that usually has cheaper options compared to North Face – but North Face is another great brand to purchase ski pants, jacket, and gloves. My base layers are an investment from Smartwool – truly the best!

Or you can shop my winter gear

Renting ski gear

If you’re from out of town and need to rent ski gear, the resorts will have options to rent. Epic pass holders can usually get a discount – check the epic pass app for details.

If you have a car while in Colorado, Larson’s Ski & Sport in Arvada is a great option if you don’t rent from the ski resort or need to rent for the whole season. For the whole season, I paid under $300 for my ski boots, skis, and ski poles. This was a great option from buying without knowing if I enjoy the sport.

Buying ski gear

There’s ways to avoid buying ski gear at full price. Buying at the end of ski season will allow a lot of ?end of season” deals to be going on in most ski shops. Evo.com is another site that has significant discounts on big brands. I’m still working on a list of buying options, as I will be going through the purchasing process end of this ski season.

Other budget-friendly tips for the slopes

Food

There are participating restaurants that give upwards 20% discount. You can find this information on your epic pass app.

Personally, we make a soup or chili the night before our ski day. The only Stanley item I own is a Stanley thermos that keeps the chilly warm. We store out food in a locker until lunch, then join all the patrons in the lodge to eat. We don’t spend a dime most ski days except for gas!