Colorado Epic Pass Ski Trip

If you were to make a list of the best ski vacation destinations, you’d be hard-pressed to pick a better place than central Colorado. Colorado ski vacations are considered (rightly so!) as one of the best trips an avid skier than take.

In this ski trip to central Colorado, we visit three iconic Colorado resorts: Vail, Breckenridge, and Keystone. This five-day Colorado ski trip heads west on I70 immediately after leaving Denver. All three Colorado ski resorts are fairly close to each other, and are nestled into quaint ski towns along the Rocky Mountains. Their close proximity to each other means there aren’t any real travel days needed, apart from the days you fly in and out.

Colorado is consistently ranked as the best place to ski in the US, and for good reason. It has the two most difficult ski resorts in North America (Silverton & Telluride), and it’s average Difficulty Score, vertical drop and summit elevations are all the highest in the US.

There are over 25 ski resorts in Colorado, and it is also home to some of the most popular ski resorts in the US. Colorado’s average skiable acreage is second highest in the US. Everything about Colorado screams “Ski Mecca!”, and experts flock to this state every winter. Now with this trip, you can too.

Which Airport to Use?

For this Colorado ski vacation, we like to use Denver International Airport instead of Eagle County Regional Airport in Vail (FAA code: EGE) because the added time and hassle is just not worth it. The added layover + flight time is almost exactly the same as driving the distance instead, which is around 2 hours. Not only that, you’ll save a few bucks on the flight by removing that connection, so that then pays for most of the rental car’s cost.

Also, the drive along I70 has to be one of the best along any of the major Interstates. When you cross the Rockies, the view is absolutely breathtaking. You won’t get this from flying.

Another added benefit: If you rent a vehicle, then that means you aren’t using Uber or Lyft as much (or at all), which means you’ll save costs there as well.

Rental Vehicle Requirements

You absolutely (it’s required by law) need to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle if you decide to drive to these resorts yourself. This law is in effect from September 1st through May 31. The trek from Denver along I70 is a chain-or-4WD-required stretch of road during the prime months for this perfect ski vacation.

In a blank of an eye, 10-14 inches of snow can fall, and you need to be prepared. You will get a ticket if you are stopped without either tire chains or are in a vehicle that has all-wheel drive capabilities.

Epic Pass

Another benefit of visiting these three Colorado ski resorts is that it allows us to take advantage of the Epic pass discount.

If you buy your Epic before September of the year before you visit, you’ll save about 15% from in-season purchases. If you were to buy the lift tickets at the counter on the day you arrive, the cost will be even higher.

While going to ski resorts – and Vail in particular – are sometimes prohibitively expensive, taking the initiative and buying an Epic multi-day pass will end up saving you hundreds.

The best pass to buy for this particular trip is the Epic 3-Day Pass, which as of September 1st, 2022 costs $273 per adult, or $141 per child under 12. This works out to $91 or $47 per day, respectively. These costs are only valid for right now. Historically, Epic pass prices increase by about 7-12% per year.

Using the Epic ski pass will provide you the best deal for this trip. While you may be able to find ski vacation packages with a local travel agent, none of them will be able to match the steep discounts that the Epic pass (when purchased early) can provide.

Alternative Resorts

Beaver Creek Ski Resort is the closest other Epic affiliated spot in the area that can easily be swapped in place of one of the resorts we picked. It is only about 20 minutes past Vail on I70, so fairy close. Located in Avon, CO, Beaver Creek Ski Resort is known for its high-end amenities, excellent ski schools, and impeccably groomed trails that cater to skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Crested Butte is the only other ski resort within a semi-reasonable distance to Vail which is also affiliated with the Epic Pass. It is about a 3.5 hour drive southwest of Vail.