The flight is the easy part
You’ve booked the Ski Resort, bought the lift tickets, and signed the kids up for ski school. Then you land at Denver International Airport with tired kids, ski bags and a stroller, and remember that Vail is still about 120 miles and two hours to three hours through the mountain passes.
That last leg makes or breaks the first day of a family ski trip. Plan it well and everyone arrives fed, warm and ready for the mountain. Wing it and it costs you your day.
We know this one personally. Years ago, VIP Ground’s owner Frank Miulli flew into Denver from Chicago on a fall evening, headed for Vail. His rideshare driver refused the mountain trip right at the curb. By then the last buses and shuttles had left, so he spent the night in Denver and took the Pegasus up the next day. That night is a big part of why VIP Ground exists: nobody should be stranded at DEN after a long flight, least of all a family with kids.
Here’s how to get from Denver Airport to Vail with kids this winter, and what to plan for along the way.
Your four options from DEN to Vail
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Rental car | Families who want a car all week | Winter driving on I-70, chain/traction rules, parking fees in Vail Village, fitting car seats and ski bags |
| Shared shuttle | Solo travelers and couples on a budget | Fixed schedules, multiple stops, waiting for other passengers, limited room for gear |
| Rideshare | Short trips around Denver | Drivers can refuse the mountain trip, surge pricing, cars rarely equipped for snow |
| Private car or Sprinter | Families and groups | Higher upfront price, though often close to shuttle fares per person for a full family |
Rental car. Freedom is the upside. The downside is that a parent will spend two-plus hours driving a unfamiliar mountain interstate in winter, unable to enjoy the views, in a vehicle not equpiied for the mountain. Many rental cars do not come equipped with Studded 3 Peak Mountain Rated Tires witch can make things interesting on the road. You’ll also pay to park in Vail and Beaver Creek, where a car often sits unused all week.
Shared shuttle. Cheaper per seat, but built for adults traveling light. Expect set departure times, stops at other Ski Resorts, and a wait at the airport if flights run early or late. With kids, an extra hour in the van can feel like five.
Rideshare. Ok around Denver, unreliable to the mountains. Many drivers won’t take a two-hour one-way trip into snow with no return trip, coming back down empty is not worth the trip witch is why many rideshare drivers deny your transfer curbside.
Private car service. Your driver tracks your flight, meets you at baggage claim, loads the gear and drives you straight to your stay. For families of four or more, an Suv or Sprinter van usually costs about the same per person as a shuttle, with none of the waiting.
7 tips for the drive with kids
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- Book a midday flight if you can. Landing before 2 p.m. means you drive the passes in daylight and beat the evening ski traffic. Weekend afternoons westbound on I-70 are the busiest.
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- Watch the weather, not just the flight. A storm can slow I-70 to a halt or close it for a time. A good driver checks road conditions before pickup and plans around them.
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- Plan one stop. The drive is about two hours, longer in snow. One break in Idaho Springs, Silverthorne or Frisco for bathrooms, snacks and fresh air keeps everyone happy.
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- Get groceries on the way. Prices in the valley are higher and the first evening goes smoother with breakfast already in the fridge. Ask your driver to stop at a grocery store in Silverthorne or Avon.
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- Hydrate for the altitude. Vail Village sits at about 8,150 feet, and the drive tops out near 11,000. Kids feel altitude too. Water bottles, light snacks and an easy first evening help a lot.
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- Keep a car bag handy. Pack headphones, a tablet, snacks, a change of clothes and any medication in one bag that rides with you, not in the back with the luggage.
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- Sort out car seats in advance. Colorado law requires car seats and boosters for young children. Bring your own or confirm your car service can provide them before you land.
Why families book VIP Ground
VIP Ground is a locally run luxury car service based in the Vail Valley, In Avon, Just outside the Beaver Creek roundabout. We drive families between Denver International Airport, Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) and Vail, Beaver Creek, Avon, Edwards and Arrowhead all winter.
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- Room for everyone and everything. Our Sprinter vans seat up to 14, with space for ski bags, boots, strollers and luggage.
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- Flight tracking. If your flight is early or late, we adjust. You won’t pay for a delay you didn’t cause.
- Meet and greet. Your driver meets you at baggage claim and handles the bags.
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- Experienced mountain drivers. Our drivers know I-70 in winter and drive vehicles equipped for snow.
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- Stops on request. Grocery runs, bathroom breaks or a quick stop at the ski rental shop.
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- Car seats on request. Let us know your kids’ ages when you book.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Denver Airport to Vail? About 2 hours in good conditions. Plan on 3 hours give or take in snow or heavy weekend traffic.
When should I book my airport transfer for a holiday trip? As soon as your flights are set. Christmas, New Year’s and Presidents’ Day weeks fill up first.
Is a private car worth it for a family? For four or more people, a private vehicle often costs about the same per person as a shared shuttle. You also skip the waiting, the extra stops and the hassle of driving yourself.
Can you take us to Beaver Creek, Avon or Edwards instead? Yes. We serve the whole Vail Valley, door to door.
What if our flight is delayed? We track your flight and adjust pickup to your actual arrival time.
What is your cancellation policy? Full refund if you cancel 48 or more hours before your trip, 50% refund between 24 and 48 hours, and no refund with less than 24 hours’ notice.
Start your family ski trip the easy way
Vail Mountain is scheduled to open November 13 and Beaver Creek on November 25, conditions permitting (ColoradoBiz). Holiday weeks book up fast.
Tell us your flight, your group size and your kids’ ages, and we’ll handle the rest from baggage claim to your front door.
