travel time to ski areas from colorado springs?
Hi everyone! I am thinking of moving to Colorado Springs. I was wondering if anyone knows actual travel times to the closest ski areas. I heard Breckenridge is about a 2 hr drive up 24/9. Is that how it is even in the winter? Is that the closest/best place for a day trip? Any info is helpful! Thanks!
Snow Skiing - 3 Answers
People's Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
Answer 1 :
Here's estimated times from Google Maps: Loveland: 2 hours 2 minutes Arapahoe Basin: 2 hours 6 minutes Keystone: 2 hours 15 minutes Breckenridge: 2 hours 29 minutes Vail: 2 hours 36 minutes It's going to totally depend on the traffic - if you miss Denver rush hour, you'll make those times. If not, you could be delayed by an hour or more. And of course, if there's a snowstorm, there could be delays of an hour or more, or even road closures. Just keep an eye on the forecast and weather. You'll also want to watch road conditions for I-25 between Co Springs and Denver - sometimes they close the area running through the Palmer Divide because of strong winds and drifting. Lots and lots of people make day trips to the ski resorts from Colorado Springs - just keep the things above in mind and you'll be fine.
Answer 2 :
The times to the ski areas already mentioned seem close to accurate depending on how far from I-25 you live. I would recommend trying Monarch just a little west of Salida on Hwy 50. I went there quite a bit when I lived just north of the Academy. A smaller area but still good variety and fun terrain to explore. Besides there were discount coupons and whatnot if you look around. They seemed to be close to the same drive time as the more popular ski areas around Summit County. And the drive was usually an easy one. Monarch would get some good dumps like many Colorado ski areas. With less visitors than the Areas closer to Denver, this means more snow to track up too! Don't forget Crested Butte ski area. This a large ski area with lots of incredible terrain especially if you like to challenge yourself. Plan on another maybe 1.5 hrs further. Well worth the visit though.
Answer 3 :
I'd plan at least 2-1/2 hours from COS to Breckenridge, but the drive should be less stressful if you take 24/9 rather than I-5 (and shorter). You should have less traffic and not as many agro drivers. Monarch and Crested Butte are nice, as previously mentioned, but Monarch Pass can be treacherous in the winter and getting to Crested Butte is still quite a hike beyond Monarch. Breckenridge has lots of upsides - lots of terrain for all levels and a true ski town to match. The people are laid back and friendly, and there's plenty to do both on and off the slopes. If you plan on hitting the slopes at least six days, I'd highly recommend this year's Epic Pass, which gives you access to Breckenridge and five other mountains for $599 with no restrictions or black out dates. That's the pass I have. To read more about Breckenridge of the Epic Pass, check out my blog at http://www.breckenridge-lodging.org/blog/ Drive safe, and have fun!
