How to get from
Denver Airport (DEN) to Copper Mountain
Adults
Age 13+Children
Age 0-12Shuttles & Buses (Shared Services)
Taxis, SUVs & Vans (Private Services)
Route details
Distance:
160 km / 99 miles
Driving Time:
2hrs
*Subject to weather and traffic conditions.
Shared Shuttles may take longer
People often ask
The drive from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Copper Mountain typically takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours in good conditions. The route follows I-70 west through the Rockies and is straightforward outside of peak travel times.
During winter, weekends, holidays, and powder days can significantly increase travel time due to traffic and weather. It’s not uncommon for the journey to stretch to 2.5–3 hours during busy ski periods, so planning extra buffer time is wise.
Yes, there are shuttle services operating between Denver International Airport and Copper Mountain. These include both shared shuttles and private transfers, depending on your budget, group size, and travel schedule.
Booking through a service like Ridebooker allows you to compare options in one place, choose door-to-door service, and avoid coordinating multiple transport legs after landing.
For most travellers, the best option is a pre-booked shuttle or private transfer. It removes the stress of winter driving, finding parking in resort, and navigating I-70 traffic while providing a direct ride to Copper Mountain’s base villages or accommodations.
Private transfers are ideal for families, ski groups, or anyone arriving late at night or early morning, while shared shuttles are a more budget-friendly option if you’re flexible on timing.
Once in resort most people find no need for a car so rental cars end up being unused and parking can be expensive and scarce.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft do operate from Denver International Airport, but availability for long mountain trips like Copper Mountain can be inconsistent. Drivers may cancel due to distance, weather, or traffic, especially during winter storms.
Costs can also surge significantly during peak ski times, often making rideshares less reliable and more expensive than a pre-booked shuttle or transfer.
No, you don’t need a car once you’re at Copper Mountain. The resort is compact and walkable, with ski-in/ski-out lodging, base village dining, and lifts all within easy reach.
Once in resort, there are free public transit options like the Summit Stage bus and Copper Coach.
If you’re planning side trips to nearby towns like Frisco or Breckenridge, local buses and shuttles make it easy to get around without driving.
The roads are generally well-maintained, but it can become challenging during winter storms. I-70 is a major mountain highway, and conditions can change quickly due to snow, ice, and reduced visibility.
Traffic congestion, chain laws, and occasional closures can also add stress, especially for drivers unfamiliar with mountain winter conditions.
Yes, Colorado’s Passenger Vehicle Traction Law often applies on I-70 in winter. This means vehicles must have winter-rated tires, all-season tires with sufficient tread, or all-wheel drive when conditions require it.
Many travellers prefer shuttles or transfers to avoid dealing with traction laws altogether.
Yes, private transfers are widely available and offer a direct, door-to-door experience. These services are popular with ski groups, families, and travellers with lots of gear who want flexibility and comfort.
Private transfers eliminate waiting times, provide professional mountain drivers, and often end up being cost-effective when split between multiple passengers.
Yes, booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during ski season, holidays, and weekends. Availability can be limited during peak periods, and last-minute options are often more expensive.
Pre-booking ensures you have guaranteed transportation waiting when you land, even if your flight is delayed or arrives late.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the best and most common airport for visiting Copper Mountain. It offers the widest range of domestic and international flights and the most transportation options to the resort.
From DEN, Copper Mountain is easily accessible via I-70, making it the most convenient gateway for both shuttles and private transfers.
About travelling from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Copper Mountain, CO
Copper Mountain is located in the same I-70 corridor as Vail, CO but offers a more laid back vibe that is more budget friendly. Known for its wide variety of terrain that is naturally divided by the shape of the mountains and spread across three main base areas. The mountain becomes steeper as you move from west to east making the resort a paradise for progression. Beginners and early intermediates can find mellow, confidence-building terrain centred around the West Village, while stronger intermediates and advanced riders gravitate toward the Centre and East Villages for steeper runs, wide open bowls and gladed skiing. Copper has a history of athlete development owing to some of the best terrain parks as well as being home to the US Ski Team Speed Centre drawing both up-and-coming riders and pros. The snow is reliable with powder aplenty and you’ll find lower skier densities than some of Copper Mountain’s neighbouring resorts even on good snow days.
Copper Mountain’s base areas are spread across three villages that each provide a distinct feel yet they all remain compact and easy to move between. The Center Village is the hub for dining, après, and lift access. The West Village has a quieter, family-friendly atmosphere and is where ski schools are based, while East Village is closest to the steeper terrain and tends to appeal to more experienced skiers and riders.
In the summer, Copper shifts into a base for biking, hiking and other mountain activities. Sightseers can enjoy scenic chairlift rides and accessible hiking, thrill seekers can visit the bike park for lift-accessed mountain biking, golfers can enjoy a round at the Copper Creek Golf Course, whilst families with kids can ride the Rocky Mountain Coaster or visit the WreckTangle obstacle course. The surrounding Tenmile Range, Gore Range, and nearby Dillon Reservoir open up options for full-day hikes, paddleboarding, and high-alpine ridge routes.
If you’re flying in, most visitors arrive via Denver International Airport (DEN). Ridebooker can handle your transfer from here so you don’t have to worry about renting a car or navigating mountain passes. Choose from a taxi, SUV’s or vans depending on your group sizes, and our trusted network of drivers will get you there. The drive follows I-70 through the foothills and into the heart of the Rockies before arriving directly at Copper’s base — step out and you’re ready to ski.