Photo courtesy of CDOT
Reduce traffic and keep air pollution to a minimum when planning your weekend ski trip.
The Interstate 70 corridor from Denver to Vail is known for heavy traffic during ski season. A round trip from Denver to Silverthorne can cost $25-$50 in fuel and parking fees. To save on expenses, the Way to Go team recommends trying alternatives to driving alone. Learn how to travel to the mountains in new ways via bus, train or carpooling.
Carpool
Meet your carpool at the Hogback Park-n-Ride (also known as the Dinosaur lots) in Golden, located at exit 259 off I-70. There are three lots with plenty of parking spaces: Wooly Mammoth (918 spots), T-Rex (156 spots) and Stegosaurus (117 spots). This is a great place to fill up on gas and meet up with friends or colleagues to make the journey together.
Address: The main Wooly Mammoth lot is located at 18560 U.S. Highway 40, Golden, CO 80401.
Need to find someone to share the ride with? Use the TreadShare app to connect with other outdoor adventurers headed to the mountains the same day you are!
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is now connected on MyWaytoGo.org. Carpool with other yoga enthusiasts, music lovers and moviegoers by joining the network, finding your event, and carpooling to reduce the stress of sitting in traffic and searching for parking!
Winter seasonal transportation
Snowstang
Taking the Snowstang bus helps reduce the stress of driving in unfavorable conditions, whether that be the traffic, weather or other drivers. Snowstang has seasonal routes to Copper Mountain Ski Area, Arapahoe Basin, Loveland Ski Area and Breckenridge. Buses depart locally from Denver Union Station, the Federal Center RTD Station and Wooly Mammoth Park & Ride. Visit Bustang - How to Buy Tickets to find your route and purchase tickets today!
Amtrak Winter Park Express
The Winter Park Express completely bypasses the horrors of I-70, taking the more scenic route and always arriving on time. With fares starting at $9 one-way, you can catch the train at Union Station in Denver, straight to the base of Winter Park. The ski train will begin operations starting December 19 - January 4, running Friday - Sunday. From January 8 - March 29, service will expand to Thursday - Sunday. With dedicated baggage storage for skis and snowboards, at no additional cost, you'll have ample leg room for comfort and a cafe to purchase drinks and snacks.
To book your trip visit Amtrak Winter Park Express or download the Amtrak app.
Resort carpool benefits
- Arapahoe Basin: Due to an overwhelming demand for parking, Arapahoe Basin will be requiring reservations for parking on weekends between January 3, 2026 and May 3, 2026. Free carpool parking will be available at select lots for vehicles with four or more passengers but will still need reservations. Visit Park A-Basin | Parking Basics to book your reservations and for more information.
- Breckenridge Ski Resort: Drive up to four or more people in your vehicle and receive 50% off the daily rate at the South Gondola, North Gondola and Gold Rush parking lots. Also receive $9 off nonpeak days and $14.50 off peak days at the Beaver Run and Stable lots. Visit Breck Park - Breckenridge Parking - skier parking for more information.
- Keystone Resort: Skiers and riders who arrive with four or more people in the car can park in the premier parking section in Keystone's River Run free lot, which is a short walk to the River Run Gondola. Carpool parking is limited and first-come, first-served.
Photo courtesy of CDOT
Summer seasonal transportation
Bustang
Take the Bustang bus and eliminate worries about finding parking or navigating traffic congestion for your trips up to the mountains during the summer. Bustang offers routes to Fort Collins, Colorado Springs and Grand Junction from Denver. Seasonal services include RamsRoute, Bustang to Broncos and Bustang to Estes. Buses depart locally from Denver Union Station, Westminster Sheridan Station, Broomfield Station, Superior McCaslin Station, Boulder Junction at Depot Square Station and Lyons Park-n-Ride. To find more information, such as departure time, cost and operating hours, visit RideBustang.com.
Each Bustang bus is equipped with a restroom, bike racks, equipment storage, Wi-Fi, power outlets and USB ports. The buses are entirely accessible and have two standard securement areas with a center-loading wheelchair lift.
Pegasus
Thinking about taking Interstate 70 but don't want to deal with the traffic or pay the mountain express toll? Pegasus has you covered. A smaller version of Bustang serving the Interstate 70 corridor between Denver and Avon will get you there stress-free. Using the mountain express lane when available, Pegasus has stops at Denver Union Station, Denver Federal Center, Idaho Springs, Frisco, Vail and Avon.