We know in Colorado that the weather can turn on a dime, especially up in the mountains, and with the snowfall we are getting this week that is more evident than ever. After enjoying many summer-like days, the colder temperatures have set in and we are getting a nice layer of fresh snow. That can only mean one thing for your favorite winter hobbies: you need to head to the mountains, immediately. But if you have found that getting into the mountains to enjoy the powder hasn’t been easy without an all-wheel drive car, don’t count yourself out just yet. You can still enjoy plenty of winter activities by catching one of these alternative ways to get to the mountains on those snowy days.

Last summer, CDOT launched Colorado’s first ever state-owned and operated bus service, Bustang, connecting places along the front range as well as deep into the I-70 corridor. This unique service, along with several others, helps keep cars off the road and takes all of the stress out of your mountain adventure.

Bustang 

Type: Coach bus
Tickets:  Range from $12 – $28, one way (depending on your destination) and can be purchased HERE.
Schedule:  Find the complete schedule HERE.
Departure Locations:  Denver Bus Center, Denver Union Station, RTD – Federal Center
Mountain Locations:  Frisco, Vail, Eagle, West Glenwood Springs, South Glenwood Springs

Colorado Mountain Express – DIA

Type: Shuttle
Tickets:  $84-$99 for adults, one way $43.50-$51 (Vail/Beaver Creek, Avon), $66- $77 (Breckenridge, Keystone, Frisco, Silverthorne and Copper).  
Schedule:  Find the complete schedule HERE. 
Departure locations:  Denver International Airport (DIA) 
Mountain locations: Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper, Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen, Snowmass Glenwood, Dillon, Fraiser, Silverthorne

Amtrak

Type: Train
Tickets: Value reserved coach seats, round trip $44-$55 (Glenwood), $30-$36 (Winter Park) 
Schedule:  Find the complete schedule HERE. 
Departure locations:  Denver Union Station 
Mountain locations:  Glenwood Springs, Winter Park (Fraser)

 

 Tips for When You Arrive

If you are looking for mountain getaway ideas, here are three that will allow you to leave your car at home and still make the most out of your adventure by taking the Bustang and Colorado Mountain Express service.

Frisco

Enjoying some of your favorite winter activities doesn’t have to mean heading deep into the mountains. Frisco is close enough that you can maximize your time outdoors and spend less time sitting in traffic, and there is plenty to keep you busy on your next winter adventure.

Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes – 2 hours 5 minutes (depending on departure location)
Where to stay: Alpine Inn and Summit Inn are both within walking distance of the bus station in Frisco.
Getting around: The Summit Stage is a free bus service and can take you to places like Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Keystone, Silverthorne, Boreas Pass, and more.
Things to do: skiing, snowboarding, Frisco Adventure Park , dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, or relax with a Swedish massage.
Places to eat: Food Heds World Cafe, Hacienda Real, Smiling Moose Deli, and Spinelli’s Pizza & Subs are all great options.

Vail

Vail in winter is a classic Colorado destination, and it is one that caters to just about every type of visitor. With the popularity of the area comes a lot more traffic and is therefore the perfect excuse to take the Bustang service. It is highly unlikely that you will get bored is this charming mountain town.

Travel time: 2 hours – 2 hours, 45 minutes
Where to stay: Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer, Vail’s Mountain Haus, and Sitzmark Lodge are all within walking distance of the bus station in Vail.
Getting around: The town of Vail offers a free, year-round bus service for getting around town.
Things to do: Spring Back to Vail, Adventure Ridge, cross country skiing, ice skating, spa day, Après-ski, and plenty of shopping
Places to eat: Bully Ranch Restaurant, Swiss Chalet, Alpen Rose, and Loaded Joe’s  are all great choices and easily walkable.

Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs is one of those places that often seems too far for a weekend getaway, especially if you factor in the traffic element. Luckily with the Bustang service, you are spared the annoyance of navigating the parking lot that Interstate 70 can quickly become on the weekends. This allows you to arrive feeling refreshed and ready to explore and enjoy this great mountain town.

Travel time: 3 hours 20 minutes – 4 hours 20 minutes
Where to stay: Hotel Colorado, Hotel Denver, Hampton Inn, and Hotel Glenwood Springs are all great choices, though a slightly longer walk than the other two towns due to station location.
Getting around: most of downtown Glenwood is pretty walkable, even in colder temperatures, but if you plan on venturing up to the mountain, Sunlight Mountain offers a shuttle service.
Things to do: hot springs, Glenwood Caverns, natural vapor caves, skiing, snowboarding and nordic skiing 
Places to eat: Daily Bread, Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company, Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant, and Chang Thai Cuisine are all great options in this walkable town.

So whether your car can’t get you into the snowy mountains or you simply want to leave the driving to someone else so you can enjoy the scenery, give one of these services a try before winter fades into spring.