OVER VAIL PASS · ABOUT 50 MINUTES
An Epic Pass makes the question obvious: why not ski Breckenridge for a day? It's just on the other side of Vail Pass, close enough for a day trip and different enough to feel like a second vacation: another mountain, another town, a whole new set of restaurants. The only catch is the pass between them.
Vail to Breckenridge at a glance
- Distance: about 36 miles
- Typical drive: about 50 minutes
- Route: I-70 east over Vail Pass to Frisco (Exit 203), then CO-9 south to Breckenridge
- The pass: Vail Pass tops out at 10,662 feet
In winter
Everything on this route depends on Vail Pass. On a clear day the drive is quick and beautiful; in a storm, traffic slows, the Traction Law (always in effect on this stretch of I-70 from September 1 to May 31) can step up to the Chain Law, and the pass can close for hours. Plan for extra time whenever snow is in the forecast, and read our Vail Pass winter driving guide before driving it yourself.
For ski days, we leave early enough to beat the morning build-up and choose the return time with you, so you're not racing the weather back over the pass.
How guests use this route
The ski day
Out in the morning with skis and boots loaded, with a return transfer booked for after après.
A split stay
A few nights in Vail, a few in Breckenridge: we move you, the luggage and the gear between the two.
What's included
- Door-to-door pickup and drop-off
- Room for skis, boards and boot bags
- Stops on request, in Frisco or anywhere along the way
- Child seats on request
- A mountain-experienced chauffeur in a luxury full-size SUV (Expedition MAX, Yukon XL, Suburban or similar) or an 11-passenger Ford Transit
Other ways over the pass
Bustang's West Line connects Vail with Frisco; from there you'd need a local connection to Breckenridge. Epic Mountain Express serves Breckenridge from the airports, but we didn't find a Vail-to-Breckenridge fare. Driving yourself works on a clear day with the right tires; on a storm day, it's the stretch of I-70 most likely to stop you.
Related routes
Keystone is a similar drive over the same pass: see Vail to Keystone. Coming to Breckenridge straight from Denver airport? Our sister site covers Denver airport to Breckenridge. Back in Vail, plan the next day with our ski guide. Ready for a day in Breck? Book your ride.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Breckenridge from Vail?
About 36 miles by road, roughly 50 minutes in good conditions, via I-70 east over Vail Pass and CO-9 south from Frisco.
Do you have to cross Vail Pass to get to Breckenridge?
Yes. Vail Pass, at 10,662 feet, is between Vail and Summit County, and it can close in winter storms.
Can I ski Breckenridge on my Vail Epic Pass?
Breckenridge is a Vail Resorts mountain on the Epic Pass family. Check your specific product for any date restrictions.
Is there a bus from Vail to Breckenridge?
Bustang's West Line connects Vail with Frisco, but not Breckenridge directly; you'd need a local connection from Frisco.
Can you take us for a ski day and bring us back?
Yes. Book the morning ride and the return as two transfers; we agree the return time with you and keep an eye on the weather over the pass.