Rental car
A car is useful for visiting several mountains, trailheads, or towns. In winter, ask the rental desk about tires and traction-law compliance; all-wheel drive alone does not provide winter grip.
Summit County, Colorado
Getting to Summit County from Denver
The usual route follows I-70 west through the foothills and the Eisenhower–Johnson Tunnel. Winter storms and Sunday traffic can turn a straightforward drive into a long one.
Denver International Airport to the mountains
Under clear conditions, the drive crosses metro Denver and climbs into the mountains on I-70. Friday afternoons, storm days, holiday weekends, and Sunday travel toward Denver are often slower. Check COtrip before leaving the airport, and allow a generous buffer before the flight home.
Denver International AirportEisenhower–Johnson TunnelBreckenridgeFriscoDillonSilverthorneKeystoneCopper MountainArapahoe Basin
The map shows the main highway corridors. Check COtrip for current closures, traction restrictions, and travel times.
Airport shuttle
Scheduled mountain shuttles remove the I-70 drive. They are easiest when the hotel, restaurants, groceries, and ski access are walkable or served by local buses after arrival.
Summit Stage
The county bus system is free and serves the main towns and resorts. Routes and transfers vary, so check the stop nearest your lodging and the current timetable.
Drive times within Summit County
Frisco, Dillon, and Silverthorne are central, but each ski area lies on a different branch of the county road network.
| From | Breckenridge | Keystone | Copper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frisco | 20–30 min | 20–30 min | 10–20 min |
| Dillon | 25–40 min | 10–20 min | 20–30 min |
| Silverthorne | 25–40 min | 15–25 min | 20–35 min |
Source: Google Maps routes checked against the Summit County road network · As of August 2026. Snow and heavy weekend traffic can extend these ranges.
