As the new ski and ride season begins, it’s natural for us to stoke out on the fun details first: our new winter outfits, our finely tuned skis, and most importantly, what destinations we intend to visit with our 19/20 Ikon Pass.
Once a destination is selected and your season pass is purchased, we focus on our upcoming time there. We contemplate what runs and chairlifts we’ll ride first, or where we’ll grab après afterwards. We get in our car on autopilot, so excited for what’s in store. But what if we didn’t take a car to get there – what if we considered an alternative mode of transportation to get us to the mountains?
There are several Ikon Pass destinations that offer easy and convenient public transportation options. This will help you save energy for the mountain and reduce your carbon footprint. Take advantage of these transportation benefits and see how you can visit some of our top destinations – without driving your own wheels.
Traveling to Solitude, Brighton, Snowbird and Alta
The UTA Ski Bus service provides free bus access for Ikon Pass holders to Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort, Snowbird and Alta Ski Area. Service runs all day in the winter, with 15-minute frequency during peak hours. The UTA bus service provides connections to TRAX, FrontRunner, and Route 220. This makes it easy for skiers and riders to access the mountains from the city.
Simply tap your Ikon Pass on the electronic reader as you enter the bus for free transportation to the mountains. This isn’t the only transportation perk for pass holders: If you have to drive to get to the bus, you get free parking at the Park & Ride lots, too.
Transportation to Eldora Mountain Resort
Eldora Mountain Resort is the only ski resort served by RTD, Colorado’s main public transportation system. Catch the Ski-n-Ride from downtown Boulder for an easy ride directly to Eldora’s Alpenglow chairlift.
It’s also convenient for those traveling from out of state to access Eldora. If you’re ready to hit the slopes before checking in to your hotel near Eldora, RTD can take you all the way from Denver International Airport to the mountain within a few hours.
Traveling to Arapahoe Basin and Steamboat
Ikon Pass holders in Denver…meet Snowstang. Starting December 14, the Snowstang bus will begin its winter service from Union Station or the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood. Riders can travel to and from Arapahoe Basin and Steamboat on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
At $25 roundtrip to get to A-Basin and $40 roundtrip to get to Steamboat, the price is worth the comfort and convenience during the weekend drive. The Snowstang also offers modern bus amenities such as WiFi, restrooms, and USB power outlets. It is recommended to buy your ticket in advance online, as seats will fill up quickly.
Like the RTD bus to Eldora, skiers and riders can take the train from Denver International Airport to Union Station. Boarding the Snowstang directly from the airport train makes it an easy transportation option for out-of-state travelers.
Visiting Winter Park Resort
The slopes of Winter Park are a leisurely two-hour train ride from downtown Denver. The Amtrak Winter Park Express will run Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Denver Union Station directly to the base of Winter Park from January 10-March 29, 2020. With three days of service, skiers and riders can easily plan a one-day visit or a weekend-long trip. Prices start as low as $29/one-way on select departures, making it a convenient and reasonable way to reach the powder.
For out-of-town visitors, the train provides an easy route to the mountains without having to rent a vehicle. So, leave the car at home, hop on the Amtrak and enjoy the Rocky Mountain scenery while someone else handles the driving.
Transportation to Crystal Mountain Resort
Save your gas and relax with like-minded outdoor fanatics while riding the midweek bus up to Crystal Mountain. A weekday trip to Crystal is the perfect time to ride untouched powder and meet new friends.
Located just under two hours from Seattle and Tacoma, the ride to Crystal can also be a great time to take some much-deserved R&R from work. Bring a book, take a nap, or chat with fellow bus riders. Whatever you do, you’ll be stoked because you’re skiing or riding with your Ikon Pass and it’s not a weekend.
Can't Take the Bus to Your Ikon Pass Destination? Fly to the Slopes Instead!
Ikon Pass holders get access to 41 incredible destinations, and many of them are easily accessible by public transportation. Try something new this season and route your way to the slopes on a public bus or train. You’ll be grateful to have plenty of energy, less stress, and a little more time at après.
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